Dungarvan observer 19 12 2014 edition

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DUNGARVAN

OBSERVER Vol. 102

A n G h a e l ta c h t ro l a i d i r d o n Tr á M h o r

Friday, 19th December, 2014

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Comeragh Roads repair funding ‘highly unlikely’ 35 separate projects of remedial work needed, totalling €1.6m out effective repairs to the road “highly unlikely the Council By Paul Mooney will get any additional funding network. IT is “highly unlikely” that Waterford Council will get any additional funding from government to repair storm damaged roads in the Comeragh area costing an estimated €1.6m. The revelation, made at the December meeting of Waterford City and County Council, means that people living and travelling around the Comeragh West area will have to endure inconvenience on the rural roads, as no funds are available for the Council to carry

A freak storm, where over five percent of the year’s average rainfall fell in the space of two hours during the night of 13th and 14th November, last, causing damage to the Comeragh District road network which will take nearly €1.6m in funding to repair, Despite highlighting the seriousness of the issue and calling on officials to seek emergency funding to repair the road network in the Comeragh area, Cllr. Michael J. O’Ryan was told at the December meeting of Waterford City and County Council that it was

as a result of that damage”. The issue was first raised at the November meeting of Comeragh District Council, with Cathaoirleach, Cllr. O’Ryan asking the matter be brought to the attention of the CEO and emergency funding sought for repairs. Speaking at the Council’s plenary meeting in December, Cllr. O’Ryan said an engineer’s report detailed 35 separate projects of remedial works needed to be carried out in the Comeragh area costing €1.589m. Continued on page 2

Aoibhe Devereux and Cianna Begley, both from An Rinn, pictured at the West Waterford Festival of Food Christmas Market in the courtyard of Nude Food, Dungarvan, last weekend. [David Clynch Photography]

Christmas fun at the Market A COSY and scenic Christmas market was held in the courtyard of Nude Food, Dungarvan on Saturday, 13th December, hosted by West Waterford Festival of Food, to bring the

produce of Waterford to the local community. The intimate gathering in the Christmas Market ensured a merry and festive atmosphere. Continued on page 8

Deasy appointed Public Accounts Committee Vice-Chairperson Liam Clancy Mo Chara documentary

WATERFORD Teachta Dála John Deasy has been appointed Vice-Chairman of the powerful Dáil Committee of Public Accounts. The Fine Gael deputy took up the position last Thursday as part of a reshuffle of government committee positions. He has been on the PAC since 2011, having also sat on

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the State spending watchdog from 2004 to 2007. Mr. Deasy said: “I think people look at Government these days with a bit of a jaundiced eye”. “But when it comes to the Public Accounts Committee I do believe they think it does some good work and can hold people to account when it comes to taxpayers’ money,” he said.

Waterford TD John Deasy was appointed Vice Chairperson of the Dáil’s Public Accounts Committee.

“I’ve tried to use the committee to raise issues that affect Waterford and will continue to

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do so. It’s a productive forum because you have the most senior officials in each Department in front of you every week. “I strongly believe people who sit on the PAC should leave politics at the door and that has allowed the committee to be effective,” Deputy Deasy continued. “The chairman, John McGuinness, and myself take a

similar view that the committee shouldn’t be used for party political ends,” he added. With a mounting work programme, the PAC has a key role in ensuring that there is accountability and transparency in the way Government agencies allocate, spend and manage their finances and in guaranteeing that the taxpayer receives value for every euro spent.

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NEWS

Vote of sympathy on passing of Centenarian

Yo u r Observer S Inside O this week … N DUNGARVA

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35 separate projects By Paul Mooney

Friday, 19th Decembe r, 2014

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Christmas fun at the Market

meeting Despite made at the and call- plenary an engineer’s The revelation, of seriousness of the issue emer- Cllr. O’Ryan said separate meeting detailed 35 December officials to seek the report works and County ing on funding to repair Waterford City projects of remedial the that people liv- gency in the Comeragh needed to be carried out in Council, means costing around the road network J. O’Ryan area ing and travelling will have area, Cllr. Michael Comeragh area at the December Comeragh West on the was told Waterford City and €1.589m. on page 2 to endure inconvenience meeting of it was Continued funds are availCouncil that rural roads, as no to carry County able for the Council

to the of Waterford scenic produce and community. COSY A was held local intimate gathering in The Christmas market of Nude Market Christmas in the courtyard on the and festive Dungarvan ensured a merry Food, December, Saturday, 13th Waterford atmosphere. on page 8 hosted by West to bring the Continued Festival of Food,

ts lic Accoun n ointed Pub Deasy app Vice-Chairperso Committee watchdog the State spending

D Teachta to 2007. WATERFOR has been from 2004 “I think Mr. Deasy said: Dála John Deasy an at Government people look of a jaunappointed Vice-Chairm Dáil days with a bit of the powerful Public these eye”. diced of comes to the Committee “But when it Committee I Accounts. deputy took Public Accounts

Liam Clancy Mo Chara documentary

does The Fine Gael they think it last Thursday do believe and can hold up the position of govern- some good work when it as part of a reshuffle people to account positions. he ment committee on the PAC comes to taxpayers’ money,” He has been also sat on said. since 2011, having

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Deasy was appointed Waterford TD John of the Dáil’s Public Vice Chairperson Accounts Committee.

use the com“I’ve tried to issues that affect mittee to raise will continue to Waterford and

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commitview that the forum similar used for party tee shouldn’t be do so. It’s a productive have the most political ends,” he added. because you work in each With a mountinghas a key senior officialsfront of you PAC programme, the that there is Department in in ensuring every week. people role and trans“I strongly believe should accountability way the PAC in parency who sit on the at the door and Government agencies allocate, leave politics their the commitand manage that has allowed Deputy spend and in guaranteeing finances tee to be effective,” receives value that the taxpayer Deasy continued. chairman, Johna for every euro spent. “The take myself McGuinness, and

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A VOTE of sympathy was extended from Waterford Council to the family of a West Waterford man who passed away, aged 100. John (Johnny) Prendergast of Poulbautia, Cappoquin, sadly passed away on 10th December, last. He was in his 101st year. Leading the vote of sympathy at the December meeting of Waterford City and County Council, held at City Hall,Waterford City, Mayor of Waterford City and County, Cllr. James

sport@dungarvano bserver.ie

at Rinn, pictured both from An courtyard and Cianna Begley, Market in the Photography] Aoibhe Devereux Festival of Food Christmas [David Clynch weekend. the West Waterford Dungarvan, last of Nude Food,

will get any damage”. as a result of that first raised at The issue was meeting of

that five percent of the year’s of two the November District Council, in the space IT is “highly unlikely” Cllr. will get rainfall fell of 13th Comeragh Waterford Council funding hours during the nightlast, caus- with Cathaoirleach, the matter be O’Ryan asking any additional to repair and 14th November, of the to the Comeragh to the attention from government roads in ing damage network which brought emergency funding road and storm damaged costing District nearly €1.6m in fund- CEO for repairs. sought area will take the Council’s the Comeragh Speaking at ing to repair, the in December, highlighting an estimated €1.6m.

Major retailer expected for Shopping Centre

An Gaeltacht's Donal Breathnach possession against gets in Tramore's Sam during the J. J. Linehan Kavanagh & Sons Hurling Final in Fraher Field. [Sean Co. U-21B Byrne//Deise Sport]

€1.6m needed, totalling unlikely the Council of remedial work to the road “highly additional funding out effective repairs network. where over A freak storm, average

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SECTIONS .........................……………………………. PAGES News .............................…………..…………………….. 1–27 Classifieds ..........................…..……………............. 28–31 Abbeyside Christmas Fair ………………….........32-33 County News ...........………….…………………….. 34–47 Schools ...........………….……………………............ 48-52 Farming .....................………….…………………….. 56–59 Entertainment ........………….…………………….. 60–63 Ballynacourty Produce Farm Shop ..............…… 64 Includes your 24-page Sports pull-out

News on the move: Web: www.dungarvanobserver.ie Find us on Twitter: @DungarvanObserv

WEATHER OUTLOOK

Susan J. Murray, the winner of Dalton Jewellers’ Facebook competition, receiving her prize, a ladies Adriatica watch from Carol Walsh.

Christmas Publishing Arrangements Our Christmas week issue will be published on Tuesday, 23rd December, 2014. All copy and advertising for this issue are requested to be submitted by Monday, 22nd December, at 12 noon.

WED 12º

THU 10º

FRI 7º

SAT 8º

SUN 11

Tobin, noted that the late Johnny Prendergast was an uncle of Cllr. Declan Doocey. Concurring with the sentiments expressed, Cllr. Lola O’Sullivan said she had the honour of being present at Mr. Prendergast’s 100th birthday last April. She described him as “a gentleman” and expressed her condolences to Mr. Prendergast’s family. The Council observed a minute’s silence as a mark of respect.

Comeragh Roads repair funding ‘highly unlikely’

Obituary .............………........................................53-55

CLOUDY and windy with rain at times on Wednesday. The rain will turn persistent and heavy in the afternoon in western parts but will be more scattered elsewhere. Mild with highest temperatures of 10 to 12 degrees in fresh to strong southwest to west winds. Thursday: A cloudy and dark day, and at times a wet day with spells of heavy and persistent rain. The rain will finally clear southwards on Thursday evening / early night, and it will then become cold and clear for Thursday night / Friday morning with widespread frost developing. Friday: Cold and windy with highest temperatures of 5 to 7 degrees.Widespread showers across the western half of the country will merge to longer spells of rain at times.The eastern half of the country will be less showery during the morning, but will become more so during the afternoon / evening / early night. Saturday: Remaining cold and windy but not as showery as Friday. A brighter day overall with some eastern areas staying completely dry. Sunday: Cloudy with patchy rain / drizzle / mist through the day. Becoming milder with temperatures rising; highest 9 to 11 degrees.

Dungarvan Observer | Friday, 19 December, 2014

There will be NO issue of the Dungarvan Observer on Wednesday, 31st December (New Year’s Eve). The first issue of the New Year will be published on Wednesday, 7th January, 2015.

FROM FRONT PAGE While Cllr. O’Ryan acknowledged there was an extra €1.1m in the Council’s budget for the Road Works Programme in 2015, he admitted that it would be unfair if the Comeragh area got all of it, and so asked the management if they have done anything about seeking additional emergency funding to repair the roads in the Comeragh area. “We can’t take this money out of our roads budget,” Cllr. O’Ryan acknowledged. “But due recognition needs to be given to the Comeragh area, which inherited an extra 300 km of road as a result of the Council merger,” he pointed out. “I am asking the CEO to put in a report and seek emergency funding for the Comeragh area.” Earlier in the meeting, CEO Michael Walsh said the Council intends to put together service plans for each area, outlining where money will be spent and on what. Director of Services, Paul Daly, had added that workshops would be held in the new year for Councillors to meet with engineers to outline concerns and issues with roads, so an early draft of the Roads Programme can be put together. “This will give an indication of how we will split the budgets between the three areas. We will bring the report to the January meeting of the Plenary Council body on how the money will be distributed,” Mr. Daly said. Cllr. O’Ryan asked if the management was going to pay heed to the recommendation of the Comeragh District Council. “We need to know that what we decided at the Comeragh District Council meeting is meaningful and will be passed on. We are €1.6m down - will you go

further and apply for additional funding?” Cllr. O’Ryan questioned. Cllr. John O’Leary voiced support for Cllr. O’Ryan’s concerns. “After the damage caused to the roads in the Comeragh area it is hugely important that we get funding,” said Cllr. O’Leary. While Mayor James Tobin jested that it also rained in Lismore and Dungarvan on the same night in November, he said Councillors would know what Roads funding was available in January when the CEO presents his report. However, Cllr. O’Ryan disagreed and demanded an immediate answer. “We will come back here in January and we’ll be a month further down the line - has there been an emergency package brought forward for the Comeragh area, or a proposal to get money to do it?” Cllr. O’Ryan asked. Responding, Mr. Daly said the Council has not formally written to the Department seeking funding for the damage caused to the roads in the Comeragh area. But Mr. Daly did say he spoke with a senior departmental official the previous week to discuss funding. “It is highly unlikely we would get any additional funding as a result of that damage,” Mr. Daly told Cllr. O’Ryan. “From the conversation I had, we would do well to maintain the same level of funding in 2015 as what we got in 2014!” he added. Cllr. O’Ryan proposed that Waterford Council write to the Department about funding for the damaged roads in the Comeragh area and sought an answer for the next meeting of the Council, which will be held on Thursday, 15th January.The proposal was seconded and agreed.


NEWS

Dungarvan Observer | Friday, 19 December, 2014

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MUNSTER By Paul Mooney A POSITIVE announcement is expected for Dungarvan early in the new year, where a leading retailer is expected to take up long term residence in the Shopping Centre and bring with it the creation of new jobs. The town welcomed the

official opening of a new retailer last week Rainbow Kids - also a long-term lease of the Shopping Centre, based at the Plaza, which stocks top quality clothing for children aged from infants up to 12 years old. Shopping Centre Manager, Gerry O’Connor, who was present for the official opening of

Rainbow Kids last Thursday afternoon, confirmed to the media that a big announcement will be made early in the new year in relation to a major retailer taking up residence in Dungarvan Shopping Centre. While Mr. O’Connor remained tight-lipped about speculation over the identity of the retailer, he would only confirm that the

retailer will be “a long term lease” for the Shopping Centre and would “generate significant employment in the local area”. He added that it is good news for Dungarvan and “is another positive indicator for us all” and said it was “business as usual” at Dungarvan Shopping Centre.

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NEWS

Dungarvan Observer | Friday, 19 December, 2014

Annette O’Connor, Proprietor of ‘Rainbow Kids’ cuts the ribbon to officially open her new store last Thursday afternoon. Rainbow Kids is based on the Plaza at Dungarvan Shopping Centre. Included in the photograph are staff members, Laura Flavin and Mark O’Connor, along with customers and well-wishers.

Official opening of new store ‘Rainbow Kids’ By Paul Mooney Mark O’Connor (left) and Laura Flavin (right) toast success to the opening of new store ‘Rainbow Kids’ with Proprietor, Annette O’Connor (centre), at the Plaza, Dungarvan Shopping Centre, last Thursday afternoon.

Martina and Ethan Drummy at the official opening of Rainbow Kids last Thursday.

RAINBOW Kids is the latest retail unit to open in the highly successful Dungarvan Shopping Centre. The shop stocks a wide range of clothes for children, boys and girls from infants up to 12 years of age and are also stockists of the ‘Name It’ brand, which is one of the leading brands of high quality childrens clothing right across Ireland and Europe. Rainbow Kids, situated prominently on the Plaza, at Dungarvan Shopping Centre, was officially opened last Thursday at 12 noon. The shop, which is owned and operated by Annette O’Connor, has proved popular with Dungarvan shoppers since it opened. The first 20 lucky customers who made purchases received a free goodie bag on the day, while anyone who made purchases on the day was entered into a competition to win a fabulous toy scooter.There was also 20 percent off stock during the official opening and as part of the opening celebrations, there were snacks, nibbles and beverages for customers to enjoy, including Champagne. “We stock affordable and good quality clothing,” said Annette O’Connor at the

opening of her new store. “We have special offers the whole time, so it is worth calling in and seeing our new offers each week.” The opening of Rainbow Kids at the Plaza was described by Dungarvan Shopping Centre Manager, Gerry O’Connor as “good news for Dungarvan Shopping Centre” and “another positive indicator for us all”. He noted that three new local jobs have been created with the opening of Rainbow Kids, which has secured a long-term lease and will benefit from the very strong ‘shop local’ message - something which is very prominent and important across the Shopping Centre and Dungarvan Town area in general. “Footfall and sales have been great for this Christmas, so that is very positive,” Mr. O’Connor said. Mr. O’Connor said it is “business as usual” at Dungarvan Shopping Centre, even with the ongoing sale of the Shopping Centre. The opening of Rainbow Kids comes at a time when an imminent announcement is expected in January at Dungarvan Shopping Centre, in relation to another leading retail outlet expected to take a long-term lease and create more jobs for the area.

Michelle Coady and Grace Walsh at the opening of Rainbow Kids store at the Plaza, Dungarvan Shopping Centre, last Thursday.

Tara and Emily Gough enjoying the official opening of Rainbow Kids store last Thursday.


NEWS

Dungarvan Observer | Friday, 19 December, 2014

Deasy secures Dáil debate on dairy farm incomes WAT E R F O R D ’ S Deputy John Deasy has received a commitment from Taoiseach Enda Kenny that the income crisis facing dairy farming will be debated in the Dáil early in the new year. The Fine Gael TD raised the issue on the Order of Business last Wednesday. He has also spoken to Agriculture Minister Simon Coveney who agreed that the Dáil should fully consider the implications of the latest Teagasc Outlook, which predicts a decline in milk prices of up to 50% in 2015. From the floor of the House, Mr Deasy said: “As the Taoiseach is aware a lot of young farmers in particular have invested massive amounts of money in farming infrastructure. It would be devastating for them, and

for rural communities around the country, if that report was even remotely correct.” Asking “that the government set aside some time at the earliest date, so that this can be debated in the chamber”, he said that while the matter will come before the Oireachtas agriculture committee, a proper Dáil discussion was warranted. Accepting his proposal, Mr Kenny said: “Can I say to Deputy Deasy that this is a fundamentally important issue for the agri sector and for young farmers all over the country. I’ve listened to the President of the ICMSA speaking about this recently. It is something of great importance nationally.” Saying he would “bring the Deputy’s motion to the attention of the Minister for Agriculture”, the Taoiseach

assured Mr Deasy, “You can take it we will arrange for the whip to arrange for a series of discussions here in the Chamber early in the new session.” Teagasc economists are forecasting lower wholesale milk prices from January to June, due, primarily, to global oversupply. This will lead to a worldwide slowdown in production through 2015 — just as the abolition of EU quotas next March, which has prompted huge herd expansion and investment in plant, kicks in. Deputy Deasy says: “Many rural communities are completely reliant on agriculture and in counties like Waterford dairy farming is the economic anchor of many of our parishes.” IFA figures show there are around 56,000 cows being milked across the county’s 2,760 or so farms.

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Waterford TD John Deasy. “You’re talking about thousands of jobs, both directly and in related services and industry, that depend on farming. So there’s no minimising the impact of dairy margins being slashed — even temporarily — at a time when farmers are being advised to expand,” he added. Given that a 50% increase in Irish production volumes had been expected, and indeed encouraged, up to 2020, Mr Deasy wants the EU Commission to introduce targeted CAP supports to “counteract this volatile price situation and ease the climate of uncertainty within the sector.”

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NEWS

Dungarvan Observer | Friday, 19 December, 2014

Newport House in Dungarvan Hospital Presentation – Presentation of the proceeds from the “Scenes of Dungarvan” photography Exhibition to Newport House, Dungarvan Hospital. Hosted and organised by Dungarvan Credit Union and featuring photographs by the Deise Camera Club. A special thanks to Dreoilín Glass and Murray’s Pharmacy for their very kind support of the exhibition. Also presented was a hamper from Murray’s Pharmacy and the Deise Camera Club. Back row (l. to r.): Alan Kavanagh, Anne Power, Kathleen Moore, Michael Allen, Ann Jones (Credit Union), Mairead Jacob, Noel Devereux (Credit Union), Garvan Kelly, Liam Moore (Credit Union), Kieran Russell (Deise Camera Club). Front row (l. to r.): Maurice Lombard, Christina Moynihan, Ann Needham, Danny O’Brien, Gerry Buffin, Catherine Darmody.

Míle buíochas ó Dungarvan New National Residential Community Hospital Writing Centre in & Dunabbey House County Waterford THE residents, staff and management of Dungarvan Community Hospital & Dunabbey House would like to express their sincere thanks to all members of the public who individually or as part of a voluntary group have supported and enhanced the day to day lives of those residents there. The interaction and participation of community groups with residents is both therapeutic and holistically beneficial in a very positive way. The social contact which voluntary community groups provide the residents with, is an opportunity to participate in meaningful and purposeful leisure activities of their preference. These activities enable the resident to continue to enjoy the social contact with community groups, which they would have participated in prior to

admission to DCH & Dunabbey House. Staff and management of Dungarvan Community Hospital & Dunabbey House would like to acknowledge the support of the local Clergy groups, Chaplain, Church readers, choir and Ministers of the Eucharist. A big “thank you” also goes to local entertainers and musical groups, resident advocates, members of the Resident Council Committee, Pet Therapy group and ‘The Friends of

Dungarvan Community Hospital.’ The Transition year students from Local Schools who participated in various intergenerational projects within the hospital are also thanked, as this has proven to be a very positive, enjoyable and memorable experience for the residents. The Residents Forum Group would like to sincerely thank all who donated, attended and supported fundraisers for Dungarvan Community Hospital & Dunabbey House during the past year, as always your continued support is very much appreciated. On behalf of all at Dungarvan Community Hospital & Dunabbey House we would like to wish one and all a very happy and peaceful Christmas and look forward with anticipation to your continued support in 2014.

THE Story House Ireland is a not-for-profit residential writing centre inspired by The Arvon Foundation. Set in tranquil woodlands near Colligan, Dungarvan, The Story House will run its first 5 day writing course (on Short Fiction), from Monday 23rd to Saturday, 28th March, 2015. The course will be led by experienced and award-winning writers and tutors Julian Gough and Susie

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Maguire. Their mid-week guest writer will be Donal Ryan (The Spinning Heart, The Thing About December), winner of The Guardian First Book Award. The Story House aims to provide real support for developing writers of all ages and backgrounds, complementing the work of existing writing centres. As it grows it will provide a focus for the development in Ireland of a community

of writers, teaching opportunities for professional writers, and also work to “ensure anyone can benefit from the transformative power of writing”. Thanks to the support of Waterford City & Co. Council this inaugural course is being offered for the special fee of €595 which includes: 5 nights accommodation; full board; all workshops; one-to-one sessions with each writer to discuss your work; time and space to write; reading & discussion with guest writer. Please note that bookings are on a first come, first served basis with the full fee required by no later than Monday, 9th February, 2015. You might like to check with your local Arts Office as to what supports they may offer to help you attend a course at The Story House. Co-founders of The Story House, Margaret O'Brien and Nollaig Brennan, intend that The Story House will be a home for writers and writing and will also welcome many new faces to the arts scene in the south-east and to the beauty of the Waterford coast and countryside. www.thestoryhouseireland.org email: thestoryhouseireland@gmail.com Twitter: @TSHIreland

Susie Maguire by Angus Behm.

Julian Gough by Anne-Marie Fives.

Donal Ryan


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8

NEWS

Dungarvan Observer | Friday, 19 December, 2014

Christmas Fun at the Market FROM FRONT PAGE Artisan producers such as Aurelia Foods, The Sausage Experience, McGrath Jams, Crinnaughtaun Juice Company. Dungarvan Brewing Company, Eunice Power, Knockanore Cheese and Nude Food showcased their products. Solás na Mara featured a stand of seaweed products featuring new products from The Sea Gardener Marie Power along with those from Sea of Vitality and Nutritional Teas from Glasraí na Mara. CEO of West Waterford Festival of Food, Éimhín Ní Chonchúir, said: “Parents sipped their mulled Dungarvan ale, wine and apple juice while waiting for their children’s faces to be painted. There was a lovely atmosphere!” West Waterford Festival of the Food would like to thank their Elf friend, Barry Hannigan, as he hugely contributed to achieving this atmosphere. There were plenty of

Christmas festivities in Dungarvan for families on the crisp, sunny afternoon. Santa arrived to Mary Street on a vintage truck, where there was face painting, yule log making, balloons and Konor the Clown. Moving down towards O’Connell St., the Christmas fun continued with competitions and demonstrations along the street. West Waterford Festival of Food is very thankful to the Comhairle na nÓg elves, who guided passers-by to the Christmas market where children coloured with Olaf, got faces painted and everyone had a browse of the market or a bite to eat. One lucky visitor to the market was presented with the hamper brimming with Waterford food produce. Well done to Bríd Uí Chadhla – it was definitely worth her while to make the trip! This hamper was made possible thanks to the donations of local artisan

food by our local retailers who support Waterford food throughout the year. Blasta Wholefoods, Country Store and Nude Food all contributed to this wonderful hamper of treats.

“A big thank you to everyone for coming to the Christmas market on Saturday afternoon. We hope they enjoyed it as much as we did!” finished Éimhín Ní Chonchúir.

Melissa Brazil from Kilmacthomas pictured with Macdara O Faolain from An Rinn and Imelda Morrissey from Kilmeaden at the West Waterford Festival of Food Christmas Market in the courtyard of Nude Food, Dungarvan. [David Clynch Photography]

Stephen O'Flynn from The Sausage Experience pictured at his stall. [David Clynch Photography]

Louise Clark from Nude Food and Paul Flynn from the Tannery pictured with Trudy Devereux from An Rinn who joined the Friends Circle at the West Waterford Festival of Food Christmas Market in the courtyard of Nude Food, Dungarvan. [David Clynch Photography]

Getting closer to the action at the Festival of Food ONE lucky visitor to the West Waterford Festival of Food Christmas Market on Saturday last got even closer to the action, as she became our first Friend of the Festival for 2015! Trudy Devereux was in the right place at the right time as Paul Flynn of The Tannery and Louise Clarke of Nude Food were seeking a friend to promote this new venture for the Festival of Food. (REF PIC) Open to any individual to buy for themselves, or indeed as a gift for someone they think might enjoy this, this Friend’s Scheme is designed to get the longtime or new fans and friends of the festival get closer and gain more of a behind-the-scenes insight to the festival. Those who go online and sign up to become a Friend, will enjoy advance notice of the festival programme and events, get more information on guests and their food and receive invitations to key festival launches and events. And to launch this scheme, the

food producers of Waterford have put together a hamper of Artisan foods that each new Friend will receive when they sign up! CEO of West Waterford Festival of Food, Éimhín Ní Chonchúir, said: “In this digital age, it’s easier than ever to share some of the news, fun stories and images, and even footage of our plans and guests as we prepare for Festival of Food 2015! We enjoy it and hope that our Friends will too!” The Friends mail will issue each month between January and April, and again in the Summer, Autumn and Winter as West Waterford Festival of Food goes on tour, visiting other Festivals, meeting more food lovers, and planning again for 2016! Anyone interested in becoming a Friend of the Festival can do so online or follow the links from Facebook or Twitter. www.westwaterfordfestivaloffood.com/community/fri e n d s - o f - t h e festival/become-a-friendof-the-festival.

Maureen Treacy from Ballycoe and Leah Fennell from Kilgobinet. [David Clynch Photography]

Eimhin Ni Chonchuir and Barry Hannigan, both from West Waterford Festival of Food, pictured with Jenny Beresford, Izzy and Leo Cunnage, all from Dungarvan at the West Waterford Festival of Food Christmas Market in the courtyard of Nude Food, Dungarvan. [David Clynch Photography] Stephen Callaghan and Aurelia Foley from Aurelia Foods pictured at their stall. [David Clynch Photography]

Linda, Maeve and Mary Bradfield from Colligan. [David Clynch Photography]

Izzy Cunnage from Dungarvan and Kaya O'Flynn from Tallow pictured at the West Waterford Festival of Food Christmas Market in the courtyard of Nude Food, Dungarvan. [David Clynch Photography]


NEWS

Dungarvan Observer | Friday, 19 December, 2014

Draft business plan to set out potential of old mill in Kilmacthomas A DRAFT business plan is expected before Christmas in relation to the Kilmacthomas Mill as a tourist facility. At the recent meeting of the Comeragh District Council, Cllr. Declan Clune noted that a consultant has been appointed to prepare the business plan and sought a timeline for completion. Billy Duggan, representing the Economic Section of the Council, said a rough draft will outline what can be done with Kilmacthomas Mill as a tourist facility for the Greenway / Coastal Drive. He said the draft plan is expected to be completed before Christmas. Meanwhile, Cllr. Clune also noted from a report that a grant has been approved to convert existing unused units to food units in Dunhill. Mr. Duggan said the food units will be retail and the contract has started on site. He said when the conversion of the unused units are completed, there will be six food units in use.

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CIT Munster Rugby Sports Scholarship Recipient: Dungarvan and CIT Rugby player Patrick Crowther from Dungarvan receiving his Sports Scholarship for CIT. Also included are Dr. Barry O’Connor, CIT Registrar and Anna Geary, Guest Speaker and All-Ireland winning Cork Camogie Captain.

Snooker legends to visit Dungarvan in the new year By Paul Mooney THREE snooker legends will be visiting Dungarvan early in the new year to play snooker, have some craic and enjoy the sights of West Waterford. Ken Doherty and Denis Taylor will take part in an exhibition match, while John Virgo will act as MC for a night of guaranteed fun in Lawlor’s Hotel, Dungarvan, on Thursday, 8th January. All three snooker stalwarts are commentators for snooker matches broadcast on England’s national broadcaster, the BBC. Ken Doherty is an Irish professional snooker player and the only player to have been world amateur champion (1989) and world professional champion (1997). Denis Taylor is a retired snooker player who won the world championship in 1985, the World Open Grand Prix in 1984 and the Masters in 1987. He is now a snooker commentator. John Virgo is a former English professional snooker player who won the UK Championship in 1979. He is also a snooker commentator. Organiser of the snooker exhibition in Dungarvan, Michael Bumster, said the event will be “an evening of great craic, fun and entertainment” and as well as an exhibition match, there will be trick shots, while

Michael Bumster, event organiser and film producer of ‘Unique Ireland, Beautiful Waterford’.

9

members of the public will be asked to come up and play a few shots with Doherty / Taylor and Virgo. “The three lads will have great interaction with the audience,” said Michael. A professional table will be brought in especially for the event and there will be a top Irish referee to look after the matches, as well as two Irish international snooker players. Michael has been instrumental in the past in bringing other big names in snooker to Dungarvan. In the past, there have been at least six world champions visit Dungarvan, thanks to Michael Bumster. Ronnie O’Sullivan made a 147 break in Lawlor’s Hotel. “This will be Denis Taylor and John Virgo’s first time in Dungarvan, but Ken Doherty has been in Dungarvan before,” Michael pointed out. In fact, Ken likes Dungarvan and West Waterford so much that he appeared in the documentary film production ‘Unique Ireland, Beautiful Waterford’, and spoke about the area. Unique Ireland, Beautiful Waterford is available to view for free on YouTube (both long and short versions). The documentary has been viewed over 8,000 times in over 27 countries. Tickets for the Snooker Exhibition in Lawlor’s Hotel are now on sale and selling fast. A standard ticket is priced €15, while VIP tickets are priced at €40. A VIP ticket entitles the person to meet the players before the event, for photographs, autographs, etc., as well as a front row seat. The evening will begin at 7.45 p.m. on Thursday, 8th January, at Lawlor’s Hotel. “A nights great entertainment is guaranteed on 8th January, so we are asking people to get their tickets early,” Michael added.

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(19-12)

The three snooker legends who will be visiting Dungarvan in the new year: Ken Doherty (top); John Virgo (left); and Denis Taylor (right). The exhibition match and evening of fun and entertainment will be held in Lawlor’s Hotel on Thursday, 8th January, and is being organised by local man, Michael Bumster, who produced the documentary ‘Unique Ireland, Beautiful Waterford’.


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EDITORIAL

Whither the next Government A GREATER element of uncertainty has crept into the political climate in this country and it is no longer strongly felt that the Government will run its full course. Neither does anyone know that it will not, for the date of the dissolution of a Dail is entirely in the hands of the Taoiseach who advises the President that the Dail should be dissolved and a General Election held. The key to the choice of date of the next General Election is in the programme of commemorative events which has been arranged by the Government and at many of which the Taoiseach will preside. To be Taoiseach or a Member of the Government during the commemoration of the founding act of this nation, the Easter Rising 1916, will be a rare privilege indeed and there is no doubt that Enda Kenny is more aware of this than anyone. So, whether to move before the ceremonies in the hope of being returned, or to hold out and arrange the celebrations within the life of this Government and glean all of the political benefits which would attend it is the Taoiseach’s quandary. Allied to that is the question of whether he can successfully return to Government buildings and whether he can put together a coalition of parties and independents necessary to ensure he is elected on the floor of the Dail. It remains then for Mr. Kenny to decide where he can generate a majority to see him back to Government buildings and the Taoiseach’s Office. It is clear at this stage that the Labour Party will play little part in the decision as their number will almost certainly be less than ten TDs. That number, with a reduced Fine Gael representation is unlikely to be sufficient to make a majority. Mr. Kenny will be loath to enlist the help of Independents and the minor party and groupings would shun him immediately. Which leaves the only other likely scenario, to coalesce with Fianna Fail and bring an end to Civil War politics forever. While both parties would deny any such intentions, it is a realistic option and, when power and control are in the balance, realism is the only course.

Incorp. Munster Industrial Advocate This is not to take into account the possibility of a new political grouping being formed in the meantime. There have been three definite suggestions, the first of which is the Reform Alliance which held a major consultation meeting almost a year ago and little has been heard from them since. However, the suggestion is that there may be a major announcement in the New Year, not a moment too early as a General Election will be little more than a year away by then. Shane Ross has also spoken about a new grouping, which Lucinda Creighton’s Reform Alliance would fulfil. However, he would be regarded around the country as a credible leader and would garner significant support. The third proposal comes from a TD who won one of the May By-Elections, Deputy Michael Fitzmaurice from Roscommon / South Leitrim whose proposal is likely to appeal to a significant number of TDs. It is clear that there will be a considerable number of Independent TDs elected next time out, many of whom will be looking for an opportunity to enhance their power and that may be within a grouping. Mattie McGrath has all but pledged his support to this initiative. There are, as yet, too many imponderables for the next Dail to come into focus, but the only factor on which we can rely is that it will not be a continuation of the present alliance.

Tourism one of the big four IT has long been recognised that tourism in Ireland is, and will continue to be, a major part of our economy and employment base. Ever since the visit of Queen Victoria

Dungarvan Observer | Friday, 19 December, 2014

to Ireland and her endorsement of Ladies View in Killarney as being of exceptional beauty, our tourist industry has blossomed and grown consistently over the last century and a half. Along with agriculture, pharmaceuticals and IT, tourism is one of our main sources of employment and funds to the exchequer. It is an industry with a great growth potential and also one we must jealously guard and work to expand. Two decades ago, it was felt that we were coming to a point of saturation and that it would be difficult to attract many more visitors. That has been proven to be an incorrect assumption as the industry has grown steadily year by year, with the exception of our recession period. While we enjoy certain advantages as a nation, including some of the finest environmental beauty in the world and a natural attraction to many foreign visitors, particularly those from North America, we must take nothing for granted and must work to increase not only visitor numbers, but also the satisfaction rating of those who visit our shores. All too often we fail to meet these standards, we overcharge where we feel we can get away with it and too many people at the point of contact with our visitors fail to deliver on our reputation for friendliness and warm welcome. Happily, according to figures produced by Failte Ireland, the number of tourists coming to this country is now back at pre-recession levels, with the last year being particularly fruitful. This, it is felt, gives us a head-start on next year which we could make our best tourism year ever. However, all is not well from the perspective of the South East and it is felt that there is too much official emphasis on getting tourists to the new composite attraction, the Wild Atlantic Way at the expense of the other regions. Our built Heritage has been designated as the main attraction of the South East, taking advantage of The Rock of Cashel, Kilkenny Castle, Reginald’s Tower and other significant buildings far removed from the Waterford / Cork area. This is a deficiency and an imbalance in policy which stakeholders in the tourism industry locally feel must be addressed and rectified if they are to survive and expand.

Reg. in GPO as a Newspaper • Shandon, Dungarvan, Co. Waterford • 058-41205/42042 • www.dungarvanobserver.ie • news@dungarvanobserver.ie

Tallow Bridge area recently.

[David O'Flynn]


NEWS

Dungarvan Observer | Friday, 19 December, 2014

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We are proud to be 100% Irish owned West Waterford Branch INTO Retirement Presentation to James Bennett at a special function in Lismore House Hotel – Seated left to right: James Bennett, Ann Bennett and Catriona Bennett. Standing: Neil Moore, Secretary and James Casey, Chairman West Waterford Branch INTO and Brendan Horan, CEC Representative INTO. [Sean Byrne//Deise Media]

Council to tackle derelict sites in New Year COUNCILLORS were asked to report all incidents of derelict buildings / property to the Council for investigation, so the problem can be effectively tackled in 2015. At the recent meeting of Comeragh District Council, Cathaoirleach Cllr. Michael J. O’Ryan noted that some extra funding was allocated in the Council’s budget to tackling derelict sites around the county. He said while the funding was not as much as would have been liked, he asked that a portion of the funding be allocated to the Comeragh area to tackle derelict sites. Director of Services, Brian White, confirmed that additional funding was allocated to help the Council advance a number of cases involving derelict sites. He said that a number of sites / houses are suitable for consideration in the social

housing programme, which will be considered. “Hopefully, there will be a bit more activity as the economy turns around in 2015 and we’ll eliminate some of those derelict sites,” said Mr. White. He admitted there is a legacy of sites with more serious dereliction in certain areas where a solution may not be obvious and enforcement is not working. He named Kilmeaden, Portlaw, Kilmacthomas, and Ballymacarbry as places on the agenda where derelict is a problem and needs to be tackled. Cllr. Mary Butler queried what options are open to the Council if enforcement fails. Mr. White replied that it was a matter for the Council as to how far they want to go - pointing out that the ultimate power of the Council is to compulsory acquire the property

and render it safe or nonderelict. Mr.White said that while there can be a significant cost to the Council in such action, he also pointed out that the Council can sell the property at market value to recoup costs - which would be part of the Council’s intention, and then reinvest the money made at market value back into other derelict sites in the county. Mr.White said that while there was an increase in the budget to tackle derelict sites in the county, it doesn’t provide for a massive expansion of their compulsory acquisitions, but it allows the Council to get some extra work done in 2015. “But being realistic, it won’t completely rid our area of derelict sites,” Mr. White pointed out. Cllr. John O’Leary said that a recent storm had led to the collapse of a vacant pub in Kilmeaden, which is

classed as derelict. “I’m not sure how safe it is now,” he said and sought the Council to inspect the building in relation to safety as the building is adjacent to two roads. Mr. White confirmed an engineer would carry out an inspection of the site in relation to health and safety. Cllr. O’Ryan asked how long a property has to be vacant or idle before it is classed as derelict. However, Mr. White informed him that a building doesn’t have to be idle to be derelict, nor vacant. He said once a property detracts from other premises in the area, it can be classed as derelict, and the Council can take action under the Derelict Sites Act. Mr. White encouraged Councillors to report any instances of suspected derelict property to the Council so that they can investigate it and take action if necessary.

Draft plan to promote Comeragh area expected in January A PRESENTATION on a five year plan which includes the branding and promotion of the Comeragh area is expected to be completed early in the new year. At the recent meeting of Comeragh District Council, Cllr. Declan Clune noted that an assessment of Mountain

Peaks Walking and Cycling Destination steering group was established with the Council, Waterford Leader Partnership,Tipperary County Council, South Tipperary Leader and Fáilte Ireland and a five year plan, including the branding and promotion of the area is currently under way.

Cllr. Clune queried when the Council expected it to be completed. Billy Duggan, of the Economic Section of the Council, said the plan is expected to be completed early in the new year and a presentation to the Council is also expected in January.

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NEWS

Dungarvan Observer | Friday, 19 December, 2014

Pictured in Bridgie Terries Pub at the presentation of a cheque for €860 to the RNLI Helvick Lifeboat are standing from left: Dolores Walsh, Hon Fundraising Chairwoman, Dungarvan & Helvick Fundraising Committee; John Hobbs; Pat Pender; Billy Lynch; Eddie Carroll; Michael Kelly; Tom Cummins; Mary Ann McCarthy and Maura Boland who presented the cheque. Seated from left: Joan Clancy, Hon. Press Secretary RNLI Dungarvan & Helvick Fundraising Committee; Sheila Morrissey; Bernie Troy; Jim Cooney; Mick Pender; Joan Barry. [Mary Tobin]

Maura and friends raised €860 for Helvick Lifeboat MAURA Boland was proud to present an impressive €860 to the RNLI Helvick Lifeboat last Wednesday night, December 10th, raised from card games with family and friends in Bridgie Terries, the

well-known pub on the Pike overlooking Dungarvan Bay. Maura Boland and her extended family have helped the Helvick Lifeboat on many previous occasions, raising an enormous

amount for this most deserving local charity. And Maura’s son Laurence has taken part in almost all of the twenty annual RNLI sponsored swims from Ballinacourty to Helvick Pier. Dolores Walsh, Hon. Treasurer,

accepting the cheque on behalf of RNLI Dungarvan & Helvick Fundraising Committee said “We are grateful to accept this donation to the Helvick Lifeboat Station. The RNLI is a voluntary organisation,

and we appreciate the outstanding generosity of Maura and friends here in Bridgie Terries. The RNLI is always ready to answer the call to save lives at sea 24-7-365.Thank you all very much.”

Waterford Through Time Vote of sympathy to This fascinating selection of photographs traces some of the many ways in which Waterford has changed and developed over the last century . . . WATERFORD is located on the sunny south-east coast of Ireland. It is known affectionately as the Déise, derived from the Gaelic tribe that settled there around the fourth century. Waterford city is the oldest city in Ireland, having been founded by the Vikings in 914. Throughout the Middle Ages, Waterford was Ireland’s second city, and continues as a key commercial and cultural centre in Ireland today. Although the name Waterford is linked throughout the world with its famous, hand-cut crystal, the diversity of its culture and history can be seen by the castles, churches, and civic buildings throughout the city and county. From the heritage town of Lismore in the west, to the seaside resort of Tramore in the east, Waterford is characterised by the welcome its people give to visitors. ABOUT THE AUTHOR most random and fascinating pieces of Colm Long lectured in Engineering Waterford History” while the Munster for over 35 years. Since his retirement Express stated “open the book on any from Waterford Institute of Technology in page and it will be an informative pleas2010 he has devoted much of his time to ure”. He has also used social media to his love of Waterford history. His first bring the history of Waterford to life and book, Random Waterford History, was his methods have ensured that people published in 2013. The Waterford News worldwide are familiar with the history and Star described it as containing “the of Ireland's oldest city. “Waterford Through Time by Colm Long” is available to buy in Readers Choice, Dungarvan; Eason Dungarvan and the Book Centre, Waterford. It is also available online at www.amberleybooks.com. (Amberley Publishing)

Healy-Rae family A VOTE of sympathy was expressed at the December meeting of D u n g a r va n - L i s m o re District Council to the family of the late Jackie

Healy-Rae. Mr. Healy-Rae was the former Independent TD for South Kerry (formerly Fianna Fáil) who passed away on Friday,

5th December, aged 83 years. Cllr. James Tobin proposed the vote of sympathy at the meeting. He described Mr.

Healy-Rae as “a wonderful man for his own area” and said he would be a great loss, not only to his family, but also to the people of Kerry.

Olive White from The Whitehouse B&B, Michael Burke from Lawlors Hotel, Kay Maher from Dungarvan and Mags Durand O'Connor from Dungarvan Enterprise Centre pictured at the official opening of the new Dungarvan Tourism Office. [David Clynch Photography]


NEWS

Dungarvan Observer | Friday, 19 December, 2014

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CS officer commended THE Community Support Officer for the Comeragh area was commended for his recent work. Cllr. Declan Clune told the recent meeting of Comeragh District Council that a group of people in Portlaw are putting together a strategic plan for the town, which had help and input from Kevin Moynihan, the Community Support Officer. Cllr. Clune acknowledged Mr. Moynihan’s support and commended his work, thanking him on behalf of the people of Portlaw.

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Pictured above are Kate Douglas, Soroptimist Dungarvan, presenting a donation, part of their Christmas Fund to Sr. Gertrude Howley in aid of GROW. Also included left is Carmel Keith, Soroptimist. [Tom Keith]

Chairman seeks up-to-date report on Déise Greenway THE Chairman of Dungar van-Lismore District Council, Cllr. Damien Geoghegan has sought a report on the progress being made on the Déise Greenway. At the December meeting of the Local Authority, he said it was understood that sections are expected to be opened later in

2015. However, other than what was in a brief report for the December meeting, officials did not have anything further to report. Cllr. Geoghegan requested that a specific report on the Déise Greenway be prepared for the January meeting of the District Council.

No government correspondence in relation to Council acting as agent for Irish Water THERE has been no correspondence from the Government to Waterford Council, in relation to tenants refusing to pay water charges. At the recent meeting of Comeragh District Court, Cllr. Declan Clune asked if the Council would be act-

ing as an agent of Irish Water by collecting water charges from Council tenants. A Council official told Cllr. Clune that they have not received any correspondence from the Department of Environment in relation to the matter.

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NEWS

Dungarvan Observer | Friday, 19 December, 2014

‘Liam Clancy, Mo Chara’

25th December TG4 - 10.10 p.m.

“All I ask is that you want me as a friend” . . . Liam Clancy

Waterford County Civil Defence Group photo taken at the Long service Medal Presentation event. Standing (Left to Right): Percy Veale, Ann Whelan, Eddie Moloney, Gerry Boland. Seated (Left to Right): Siobhan McCormack, Eddie McCarthy, Nicky Butler. ON Christmas Night,‘Liam Clancy, Mo Chara’ - a compelling documentary and moving personal tribute to the man behind the cap will be broadcast on TG4. Liam Clancy, Mo Chara, is a moving and loving tribute to the legendary balladeer Liam Clancy told through the eyes of some of his family and his closest friends from the Ring Gaeltacht in Co. Waterford where Liam Clancy lived and called home. The documentary includes pre-viously unseen performances and interviews which were recorded by Liam Clancy’s friends and fellow musicians which all contribute to giving a remarkable insight into the mind of this great balladeer and storyteller. “When the Clancy’s were playing here in Ring, it was like the Beatles had

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Civil Defence Volunteers Long Service Medal Presentation Ceremony ON Friday, 21st November, Paul Kehoe T.D., Minister of State at the Department of Defence presented new long service medals to almost 300 Civil Defence Volunteers from across Ireland. The medals were presented in recognition of 30, 40 and 50 years service in Civil Defence. These new medals have been struck to honour decades of voluntary service given by these individuals to their communities. Both serving and retired members of Civil Defence with the appropriate service are eligi-

Liam Clancy come to town!”… Anne Mooney “It was never about the money, the music was always bigger than the rent”… Finbar Furey Other contributors include Liam’s son Donal, and daughter Siobhan, Donnchadh Gough of Danú, along with dear old friends such as Anne Mooney and Micheál Ó hUallacháin who all contribute their personal memories of their time spent with Liam. Director, Tadhg Ó hUallacháin aged 24 says: “Growing up in An Rinn I

Anne Mooney

was fortunate enough to know Liam Clancy from visiting Liam’s home with my father, who knew and worked with him. I have grown up with his voice, his music and his stories, and felt that there were still some tales to be told”. The documentary is produced by Nemeton TV. Producer, Inis Mór native Aisling Ní Fhlaithearta, Director of Photography, Cathal Ó hUallacháin from An Rinn and Edited by Séamus Ó Suilleabháin from Cúl Aodha – an all Gaeltacht crew.

Micheál Ó hUallacháin

ble for these medals. At the ceremony in Dublin Castle, Minister of State Paul Kehoe TD stated; ‘On behalf of the Government I am delighted to be able to honour so many people who have given 30, 40 and even 50 years of service to Civil Defence and to their local community. The modern, professionally trained and equipped organisation that Civil Defence is today would not have been recognisable when our medal recipients first joined up. Civil Defence has never been afraid to change and has

continued to thrive with the major transformations that have taken place down through the years. That success is very much to the credit of everybody assembled here today and long may it continue. For its part this Government will continue to ensure that Civil Defence has all of the necessary supports to ensure that it does.’ More of these medals will be presented at local events over the coming months to volunteers who were unable to travel to Dublin on Friday last.

‘Ankle Pain and Swelling with Walking - Ankle Impingement’ By Tomás Ryan BSc.AHS, Ph.Th. MIAPT, Registered Physical Therapist (MIAPT) based in Thurles

known as the talotibial joint and is where our movement of bending the ankle inwards and outwards occurs. The impingement can be caused by a boney build of bone known as an ONGOING ankle pain is something Osteophyte formation or alternative that we might simply write-off as by excessive scarring of the ligament Old-age or arthritis or misdiagnose that joins the base of tibia abd fibula the injury as remnants of an ankle bones together, know as the Anterior sprain. However, the most common Inferior Tibiofibular Ligament cause of chronic ankle pain at the (AITFL).When this AITFL ligament front of the ankle is a condition is torn or strained, it goes through a known as Anterior Impingement process which involves laying down Syndrome. It is a condition of the scar tissue and over-time with ankle that is caused by a history of repetitve ankle sprains there is excesrecurrent ankle sprain injuries and by sive scar tissue causing a restriction or activities such as running and football impingement to develop. Similarly, the boney impingment absorption within the joint. This is that cause repetitive force into the ankle joint. Pain is felt at the front of forms due to disfunctional healing followed by excessive laying down of the ankle when walking or running system of the fibrocartilage that acts new repair bone causing a pebble and there is often visible swelling at as a cushion between the base of the like restriction to form between the the front of the ankle joint after a bone (tibia) and its underlying talus. base of the Tibia and Talus bones. In this case it can simply be repetitive The end result is pain at the front of long walk. The impingement occurs between impact of the bones of the tibia and the ankle joint due to this restriction. Next week, I will discuss treatthe bottom of the shin bone talus rubbing off each other during (tibia)and underlying adjoining bone long walks or running that causing ment options for Anterior Ankle known as the talus. This joint is joint trauma due to poor shock Impingment Syndrome. Tomás Ryan is a Registered Physical Therapist with The Irish Association of Physical Therapy (MIAPT) and is based in Thurles & Clonmel. Contact Number: 0504 26672. Email your queries to: info@tipp-phyiscaltherapy.ie


NEWS

Dungarvan Observer | Friday, 19 December, 2014

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Dignity restored to glass pensioners in €178m deal By Ciaran Murphy DIGNITY was restored to the smiling faces of hundreds of Waterford Crystal pensioners who voted unanimously on a €178m pension deal last weekend that will see them get 82% of their long fought-for entitlements. An estimated 800 former ‘Glass’ workers turned up at the Woodlands Hotel in the city on Saturday to vote on a plan brokered by Unite and government agencies at LRC. And after two hours in the conference hall, which was packed out to the foyer, a six-year battle with the Government in a long “walk to justice” had ended. Workers have promised that the payout will result in a massive cash injection for the struggling local economy. Waterford Crystal workers of the now-demolished Kilbarry factory, which closed in 2009 with the loss of about 700 jobs, voted unanimously in a show of hands at the private workers’ meeting. When double insolvency – the term describing the sudden shutdown of a company and its pension scheme – hit, 1,774 workers received nothing. However, this changed yesterday, thanks to a landmark legal move initiated by trade union Unite. The deal is to include the families of 34 deceased workers who died without having received their pension entitlements. The hugging, handshaking and excited laughing was permeated with a faint scent of nostalgia, as the close workforce knew that this would probably be the last en masse meeting of its kind. They spoke of the good times and the not-so-good, but solidarity kept them

buoyed during a sevenweek occupation of the Gallery at the Kilbarry plant from January 2009. Ex Waterford Crystal worker Donie Felle said that the move "is unprecedented". He said: "It has never happened before and it will never happen again. This is just out there in terms of labour history. "There is no way we could have done it without the union." The workers were keen to stress on Saturday that the money, which could take up to three months to materialise, will be a massive boost to the Waterford and South East economy. Unite took legal action against the Government on behalf of ten workers for failing to protect Irish workers’ pensions. Last August, thousands turned out in a “Long Walk to Justice” rally protest at the Government’s failure to follow a subsequent landmark European court ruling over 18 months ago and pay former Waterford Crystal workers their pension entitlements. The European Court of Justice ruled that the Irish State breached its obligations under the terms of the EU Insolvency Directive to ensure that workers get their pension entitlements. Workers in 2009 were told that they would get between 18% and 28% of their entitlements. The case was due to go to the High Court in January but Unite, the union accepted an invitation to the LRC for talks chaired by Kieran Mulvey, which has been ongoing in recent months. The workers wanted the Government to settle the issue outright. However, this did not happen, while it is understood that the ten Unite workers who took legal action against the Government for failing to

Pictured at the Woodlands Hotel attending the Waterford Crystal Workers Pension meeting were Jim and David Cunningham. [John Power]

Pictured at the Woodlands Hotel attending the Waterford Crystal Workers Pension meeting were Michael Manahan, Tony Lonergan, Eddie Cashin, Johnny Burns, Tom Burke and Seamus Manahan. [John Power]

protect their pensions will now appear at the courts in a formality to settle proceedings. Worker Tony Condon, who has 42 years’ with the former company, yesterday said that he was “delighted” at the decision. “I never thought I’d see anything”, he said. He said that they were encouraged by the Government and the fund to put so much money into the scheme but thought six years ago that they would get nothing. “To lose a bit is the biggest blow in your life but to get it now is great,” he said. Alice Power, with 24 years service, added: “We never thought we’d get it; it’s a fantastic deal. “This is a great day for the workers and a great day for Waterford too…a fantastic day for us all. “When you know it’s coming, it makes a big difference.” Bernie Roche, whose husband Tom died three years ago without his pension, said: “Everyone is in good humour; a great day for the workers and for Waterford. “I am delighted. This is compensation that is absolutely overdue. Everyone will be ecstatic. They were only fighting for what they had paid in for.” Regional Secretary with Unite Jimmy Kelly, himself a former crystal worker, said that “the feeling in the room” was one of “dignity and respect being restored”. Following a trail that led to the European courts, the workers had finally got to a stage where they could accept “a good deal” incorporating €1,200 per year of pension service along with pension percentage entitlements equaling 82%. The pensions will be calculated on a sliding scale, with those on just €20,000 entitlement getting €16,160 of that while somebody owed €12,000 getting €10,800. These percentages

then decrease as the entitlement increases. “What it means for the future [for workers generally], I’m not sure but at least we got to a good stage”. He said that the union “got strangled with time” in terms of ensuring that workers had the funds in totality before Christmas. He said there was “always a community feeling in the workplace” and that the consensus was that it would be “a decent thing” to ensure that deceased family members were also looked after. “It was emotional in the sense that it will be the last time we’ll be together,” he said. Walter Cullen, the recently-retired Regional Coordinator with Unite, added: “We always judge what we do based on the fight for workers rights. If you believe in something strongly enough, you won’t be deflected.” He said that people were “fed up waiting” for news of the payout but that “seeing their faces here today makes it all worthwhile”. Tom Hogan, one of the ten sample workers who brought their case to Europe, said that an adopted payout would have "a massive impact on the local economy". "Obviously, this would have a massive impact on the local economy, along with the continuous pension payments." Maria O'Grady, a campaigner who organised the

“Walk for Justice", which saw thousands on the city’s streets in August, wanted it on the record that Independent deputy John Halligan was the most supportive of all politicians on the issue. She said that he “had brought our case three times to the Dail on our behalf and contacted us on a weekly basis with updates”. Others had said they were working behind the scenes, she said, while "it is most unusual for politicians to not be vocal about an issue they are involved with". Fellow worker Séan Maher added: "I want to thank our Unite representatives. This is the best possible deal that we could have got. The main thing about this is that the dignity and the respect will have been restored. "And those workers gone; their families will be looked after." Liam "Shadow" Moore said it was "a very, very nice" to get a "victory" and to see a "job well done by Unite". "A bit of dignity has come back to the workers," he said. In addition to Unite and the LRC, the Department of Social Protection and the Department of Public Expenditure and Reform has also been heavily involved in finalising this deal, while relevant legislation will change to allow the massive sum to be paid from central funds.

Email: info@dungarvanortho.ie Priory House, Lower Main Street, Dungarvan

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Pictured at the Woodlands Hotel attending the Waterford Crystal Workers Pension meeting were Michael Manahan and Ann Dunford. [John Power]

Wishes all his customers and friends a very happy Christmas and a peaceful New Year


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NEWS

Dungarvan Observer | Friday, 19 December, 2014

Another successful Friary Sale of Work WHAT was probably the 64th Annual Friary Sale of Work in aid of the Augustinian Missions in Nigeria was held last Friday night in Lawlors Hotel. The usual full house of eager bargain hunters and Wheel of Fortune enthusiasts turned up and had a very pleasant few hours among friends and fellow Mission supporters. Among those present were: Very Rev. Tony Egan, O.S.A., Prior, St. Augustine's, Dungarvan, V. Rev. Wm. Canon Ryan, P.P., Dungarvan, Very Rev. John Hennebry, Provincial, St. Augustine's, and Fr. Francis Ahearne, Provincial Mission Director, Fr. John Harris, C.C., Dungarvan, Sr. Angela Kiely, Local Leader, and members of the Mercy Community, some of whom had served on the Foreign Missions as well as other members of the Augustinian Community in Dungarvan and Duckspool. Fr. Francis Ahearne Mission Director, St. Augustine’s spoke of the difficulties which exist in Yola Diocese, the area in which their priests and Mercy Sisters are working presently. Because of the violence and destruction there, he said, some of their Mission workers had to move away from that area but thankfully had been able to move back recently. He thanked the Sale of Work Committee for their generosity in organising the event which, he said, was the last of its kind in Ireland which is organised for their missions. He thanked also the people who had turned up year after year to support them. Fr. John Hennebry, Provincial, St. Augustine’s also expressed his thanks and appreciation for the support the people of Dungarvan and

Pictured at the Annual Augustinian Friary Sale of Work for Mission Fund held in Lawlors Hotel last Friday night were: Fr. John Harris, C.C., Dungarvan, Sr. Angela Kiely, Local Leader and Sr. Eileen Troy, Sr. Teresa Frazer, Mercy Community, Very Rev. Wm. Canon Ryan, P.P., Dungarvan, Very Rev. Tony Egan, O.S.A., Prior, St. Augustine's, Dungarvan, Very Rev. John Hennebry, Provincial, St. Augustine's, Sr. Philomena Kelly, Mercy Community, Fr. Vincent Ahearne, Augustinian Provincial Missions Director. [Tom Keith] district had given over many years. “This year,” he said, Fr. Francis Ahearne went to Nigeria to celebrate seventyfive years since the first Augustinians went there to found a Mission. The work that has gone on since that time up to the present day including the men who are still there, would not have been possible without the kind of fundraising that you have engaged in so faithfully here in Dungarvan over the years. “As a Province,” he continued, “we are absolutely indebted to you for keeping this tradition alive. It has two very important effects. The first is that the men who have been out there over the years and the native

Nigerians are now coming back to us and assisting us here.There is one Nigerian in our community in Fethard and there are Nigerians taking over a Parish in Rome as well as a Parish in London. “The contribution that went from this very town in terms of people and money, but above all else, the prayers that went from here are now coming back a hundred fold to Europe itself. I was speaking recently to the Principal of St. Augustine’s in Nigeria, where much of your money went to assist the building of St. Augustine’s College in Nigeria and it is amazing what benefit a small contribution can make. For instance every €150 is raised will bring the electricity from the

main road into the College so that the students can enjoy the benefits which all that will bring.” On behalf of the Province and those who worked on the Missions, he expressed his sincere thanks and asked the people to join with him in prayer for the safety and success of their priests and also the Mercy Sisters who are key to that Mission as well. The business of the evening then commenced with much browsing of the stalls where familiar sellers conducted many transactions until it was time to start ‘the spinner’ when most eyes turned to the stage and the array of prizes which would be dispensed by Fr. Cooney ably assisted by his team of helpers. These included Sean

Murphy, Marie Forde, Aine O’Riordan, Sheila Veale, Marie Burns and two new young helpers, Mollie Lenihan and Niamh Fennell. Prior of St. Augustine’s, Fr. Tony Egan expressed his thanks and gratitude to all concerned for the generosity of their help and donations. “Your support is very important to our Missionary efforts,” he said, “and we thank you most sincerely for your continuing generosity. So many gave of their time, talents and finances that it would be impossible to name and thank them all individually, but God knows who you are and he will bless and reward you! The Holy Sacrifice of the Mass will be offered for your intentions.”

PRIZEWINNERS AT THE FRIARY SALE OF WORK RAFFLES First Prize - €300: Biddy Flynn. Second Prize – One Night B&B and Dinner MidWeek at any of the Flynn Hotels: John Nugent. Third

Prize – Bicycle: Aine O’Riordan. Fourth Prize – Half Ton of Coal: Rosie Keane. Fifth Prize – Christmas Hamper: Sharon Power. Sixth Prize – Bottle of Brandy: Mary Wall. Mercy Convent Cake: Billy Goode.

Working hard at the Spinner were Sheila Veale, Marie Burns, Mollie Lenihan. [Tom Keith]

A section of the large attendance at the Friary Sale of Work last Friday.

[Tom Keith]

And the winner is? Niamh Fennell seeks a home for a prize at the Spinner. [Tom Keith]


NEWS

Dungarvan Observer | Friday, 19 December, 2014

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Richmond House CAPPOQUIN Tel. (058) 54278 We would like to wish all our guests a very happy Christmas and New Year

Minister of State for Tourism and Sport Michael Ring T.D, has announced the winners of the National Volunteers in Sport Awards at an awards ceremony in the Aviva Stadium. The Volunteers in Sport Awards 2014 are presented by the Department of Transport, Tourism & Sport, the Irish Sports Council, the Federation of Irish Sport and the Community Foundation of Ireland. Tony Cummins, Adult Coach Award winner, County Waterford, is presented with his award by Dr. Ronnie Delaney, Chairman of the selection committee, left, and Minister of State for Tourism and Sport Michael Ring T.D, right. Volunteers in Sports Awards 2014, Aviva Stadium, Lansdowne Road, Dublin. [Pat Murphy / SPORTSFILE]

Submissions sought on flood risk assessment in West Waterford By Paul Mooney MEMBERS of the public in certain areas of West Waterford will get the chance to make a submission in relation to a flood risk study which is being carried out by the Office of Public Works. The towns affected where the public consultation will take place include Ballyduff Upper, Aglish and Tallow. The purpose of the public consultation is to gain local knowledge in relation to flooding occurrences and input that knowledge into a flood risk assessment programme. Giving a presentation to the December meeting of Dungar van-Lismore District Council, Barry O’Connor, of Mott MacDonald consultants and Project Manager for the South Western Catchment Flood Risk Assessment and Management Study (CFRAM) explained that they have been commissioned by the OPW to carry out a five year study to map flood risk in the South West and devise flood risk management strategies. The study involves detailed flood plain and channel survey, hydraulic modelling, Strategic Environment Assessment, preparation of Flood Risk Management Plans and extensive public consultation. Mr. O’Connor explained that the South West catchment area stretches from Dingle in County Kerry into the western part of County Waterford. “The three towns we will be looking at in great detail as part of the study

are Ballyduff Upper, Aglish and Tallow,” Mr. O’Connor told Councillors. He said that Dungarvan and its environs, and Ringaphuca will be assessed under the South Eastern Catchment Flood Risk Assessment and Management Study, which will be carried out by different consultants. Mr. O’Connor told Councillors that Mott MacDonald would be holding a public consultation day in Ballyduff Upper, on Tuesday, 16th December, and that local knowledge was important. “We are asking people to come in and look at the maps, and tell us if we are right or wrong,” said Mr. O’Connor. He said that people’s experiences of flooding in the area will be most welcome. Cllr. Pat Nugent expressed his surprise and disappointment that Clashmore was not included in the flood risk assessment. Concurring, Cllr. Tom Cronin said Clashmore was particularly prone to flooding. Mr. O’Connor said the OPW provided a list of towns which were of concern and at risk of flooding, and Clashmore was not one of those towns. He said there was certain criteria to be met and Clashmore did not meet all the criteria. Cllr. Nugent again voiced surprise at this, pointing out that Clashmore has been flooded at least three times in recent years, causing extensive problems for people living there.

“Some people cannot insure their property,” Cllr. Nugent said. “Less than three weeks ago, there were a number of premises flooded,” he pointed out. “This is not satisfactory that Clashmore is being left out of the study and we wouldn’t be doing our job if we didn’t highlight it.” Cllr. Cronin asked what the Council can do about Clashmore if it is being left out of the study. John Martin, from the OPW, who was also present at the meeting, said that just because one area is not included in the study, doesn’t mean there won’t be any support from the OPW or local authority to provide relief works. “It just means that the scale of risk and the scale of the problem is different and the way we’ll assess it and solve it is different,” said Mr. Martin. “There are other mechanisms from the OPW and local authorities for dealing with areas, like Clashmore, but on a different scale to the 300 areas we selected for the CFRAM process. “Clashmore hasn’t been left off the map at all - it is still an area which can get funding - it is just an area which will be dealt with through a different process, because the scale of flood risk there, when looked at nationally, is on a lesser scale than some of the other areas.” However, Cllr. Nugent expressed his personal disappointment that Clashmore was not included in the CFRAM study. “I don’t think you are taking this on board at all,”

said Cllr. Nugent. He said the OPW have a set programme and are sticking to it, even though they were warned that Clashmore has been flooded three times in recent years. Chairman of the District Council, Cllr. Damien Geoghegan suggested that all concerns and issues raised by the Councillors at the meeting be made as part of a submission in the public consultation process. Cllr. Nugent added that there should be a public consultation taking place in Clashmore. Meanwhile, Mr. Martin explained that the study is part of a national project which had to be split into areas, with different consultants appointed to different areas to make the process easier to manage. The country is split up into river basin districts, and there is a split in County Waterford, between the South West and South East River Basin, explaining the two different consultation stages operating for West Waterford and the Dungarvan area. Cllr. James Tobin asked what the process will do about stopping the flooding. Mr. O’Connor said stopping the flooding will be addressed in the study. Visit www.cfram.ie for general information about the project; www.southwestcframstudy.ie for information about the project in areas such as Ballyduff Upper, Aglish and Tallow; and www.southeastcframstudy.ie for information on the project in the Dungarvan area.

Restaurant and Guest house is open until SUNDAY, 21st DECEMBER. We re-open Saturday, 27th December, for Dinner and 28th December for Sunday Lunch. WHY NOT TREAT SOMEONE WHY NOT TREAT SOMEONE TO A RICHMOND TO A RICHMOND HOUSE GIFT HOUSE GIFT VOUCHER VOUCHER … THE PERFECT … THE PERFECT CHRISTMAS PRESENT CHRISTMAS PRESENT For reservations or enquiries please phone 058 54278 Email us at info@richmondhouse.net

DUNGARVAN CREDIT UNION Dungarvan Est. 1965

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NEWS

Dungarvan Observer | Friday, 19 December, 2014

American business tourism buyers with Adriaan Bartels, Cliff House Hotel (third left); Marie McKown, Tourism Ireland (fourth right); and Crothúr Murphy, Custom Ireland (right), at the Cliff House Hotel in Ardmore.

Ardmore is “The Business” for influential American group! Influential meetings, conferences and incentive travel planners visit County Waterford EIGHT decision-makers from some of the top American business tourism companies visited Ardmore over the weekend. They are visiting Ireland this week as guests of Tourism Ireland and Irish destination management company, Custom Ireland. Their itinerary included a special

foraging and nature cliff walk in Ardmore, followed by a site inspection and lunch in the Cliff House Hotel. The group includes senior representatives of companies involved in the MICE (meetings, incentive, conferences and events) industry, who organise

international conferences, meetings and large-scale incentive events around the world. They are here to discover more about the meeting facilities and accommodation on offer in Ireland, as well as the great experiences their clients can enjoy here on the sidelines of their conference

or meeting. Alison Metcalfe, Tourism Ireland’s head of North America, said: “We are delighted that these influential business tourism buyers have taken the time to visit Ardmore and Ireland, to experience for themselves some of the world-class meetings and confer-

ence facilities on offer here, as well as some of the experiences that make the island of Ireland unique as a business destination. The superb meetings, incentive and transport infrastructure on offer here, coupled with our distinctive cultural experience, means that Ireland is a very

attractive destination for the business tourism market in the US.” Business tourism is the most lucrative form of tourism, with visitors travelling here for business purposes spending about 2.5 times more than the average visitor.

A traditional Irish wake wins award for ‘most interactive event’ during National Heritage Week 2014 MARY Flynn of Nell’s Farm House has won the award for the Most Interactive Event in the 2014 National Heritage Week Event Organiser Awards for their event, Traditional Irish Wake. The National Heritage Week Event Awards are hosted by the Heritage Council, in recognition of those who organized events during Heritage Week, which took place from 17th – 25th August. In 2014, over 981 event organisations and individuals organized events nationwide, an increase of 4 % on 2013. 14 % of event organisers were taking part for the first time in 2014, with 29% being involved in the week for over five years. 52% of event organisers produced one event during the week, with 48% organizing two or more events. When presented with their awards, the event organisers spoke of the enormous fun they had

being involved in Heritage Week and how much support they received locally for their event. Speaking about the winners, Michael Starrett, Chief Executive of the Heritage Council said, “The people and groups that organize events throughout Heritage Week are to be commended, the week would not be the success it is today without them. It is their creativity, unwavered commitment to promoting and engaging with our heritage, and the pride they have in their project which makes each of the events so unique. Congratulations to all who took part in the week, and in particular to those that have been recognised through the Event Organiser Awards, it is a fantastic achievement. For those wishing to get involved next year, planning is already underway for National Heritage Week 2015, which takes place

from 22nd – 30th August 2015. Keep an eye on www.heritageweek.ie for updates”, added Mr. Starrett. The judging committee identified Traditional Irish Wake as the clear winner of the Most Interactive Event. “The wake was commonplace up until the 1970's when the funeral parlour took its place. It was a time for family to come together and grieve and remember their loved one. This being the 20th anniversary of the UN Year of the Family the wake was a central part of family life and its customs, practices and traditions are part of our heritage.” Other Heritage Week Award Winners included; • Best Community Award and Best Overall Event – ‘Boat Trip & Guided Tour of Loughadoon and Doon Fort’ by Tor Mór Cultural Tourism Committee, Portnoo, Co Donegal.

• Best Event Organised in Conjunction with a Local Authority ’Unearthing Freshford’s Forgotten History’ by

Michael Cormack, Freshford Old Graveyard Recording Group, Freshford, Kilkenny. • Best Children’s Event –

‘Rock Detective Clubs’ by Úna Collier, Border Uplands Project/Marble Arch Cave Global Geopark, Enniskillan, Co. Fermanagh.

• Most Innovative Event – ‘Toy Soldiers – WWI Diorama’ by the Jackie Clarke Collection, Ballina, Co. Mayo.

Winner "Best Interactive Event" - Nell's Farmhouse- (for their Traditional Irish Wake Re-enactment) Rathgormack, Carrick-on-Suir, Co. Waterford. Pictured (left to right) are Conor Newman, Chairman of the Heritage Council with Mary Flynn, from Nell's Farmhouse, Rathgormack, Carrick-on-Suir, Co. Waterford who were announced winner of "Best Interactive Event", at the Heritage Week Event Awards 2014 for their Traditional Irish Wake Re-enactment, Ann Phelan TD, Minister of State for Rural Affairs at the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine and Gerard Flynn, Nell's Farmhouse.


Dungarvan Observer | Friday, 19 December, 2014

Santa comes to Mary Street in Winter Sunshine! DELIGHTED crowds met Santa on Saturday last when he came to Mary Street travelling by Vintage American Truck.There was a real festive atmosphere and Mary Street came alive again as people met and chatted on the street while the children waited to meet Santa. Santa was led to all the shops by his security detail, while his elves gave out sweets and treats. Music was provided by students of the newly formed Dungarvan School of Trad while Konor the Clown entertained everyone with Christmas Karaoke and games, making balloon animals for

everyone. Crafty Christmas Yule Log decorations were made by the children to take home in Santa's Cave and Hot Chocolate and Gluhwein kept everyone warm in the brilliant winter sunshine. Lots of Gifts and Vouchers were on offer in a Grand Draw – lucky winners to follow. A very enjoyable afternoon was had by all, there's life on Mary Street yet, come and have a look! Thanks to Mary Street Traders who organised and paid for this free event and to everyone who contributed and made the day possible.

NEWS

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Dungarvan School of Trad enjoys the St. Mary’s Street Festivities WE were delighted to provide some music during the St Mary Street Festive Activities last Saturday afternoon. Having settled very happily into the premises we now call home on 25, St. Mary’s Street, it was a great pleasure and privilege for our young students to join with neighbouring businesses and traders to celebrate the festive season. Taking up temporary residence beside Devereux’s menswear, our large

contingent of students played a number of traditional polkas and hornpipes before a delighted audience of shoppers and passers-by. Banjos, fiddles, concertinas and whistles at the ready, Santa hats bobbing and Christmas geansaí out in force, the young group then treated the assembled audience to a range of festive favourites. “You better watch out!” they sang with enthusiasm, as Santa himself crossed the road to join

the young group for the chorus. It was a lovely first outing for many of these young musicians, and they can all be very proud of the entertainment they brought to the St. Mary Street festivities last weekend. Well done to all! We would like to wish our students a very happy Christmas, and look forward to seeing them all again in the New Year. Classes resume in the week beginning Monday, 5th January.

Some Dungarvan School of Trad students entertaining shoppers during the St. Mary Street festivities in Dungarvan last Saturday.

Darragh Hallahan and Lorcan McGovern, two young banjo students with the Dungarvan School of Trad enjoying a break during last Saturday's festivities in Mary Street.

Fiadh Colleran, Siobhan Lennon, Ellen Mayne and Sarah Nyhan singing with the Dungarvan School of Trad at the St. Mary Street festivities last Saturday.


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PICTORIAL

Dungarvan Observer | Friday, 19 December, 2014

Anna Thompson, Ned Ryan, Mary Ryan and John Carroll, pictured at the Waterford City & County Community & Voluntary Awards in the Park Hotel, Dungarvan. [Dan McGrath/Editorial Images]

Waterford City & County Community and Voluntary 10th Annual Awards in the Park Hotel, Dungarvan. Pictured at the Awards were Fidelma Meaney, Natanya Geoghegan, Emma Walsh, Orla White and Mary Kelly, representing Curtain Call Productions. [Dan McGrath/Editorial Images]

Moll Shields, Sharon Higgins, Babs Murray and Sharon Murray, pictured at the Waterford City & County Community & Voluntary Awards in the Park Hotel, Dungarvan. [Dan McGrath/Editorial Images]

WLR's Orla Dawson, Oliver Carroll, Liz Reddy, Susan O'Mahoney and Des Whelan, pictured at the Waterford City & County Community & Voluntary Awards in the Park Hotel, Dungarvan. [Dan McGrath/Editorial Images]

Yana Buchakchyyskaya, Christopher Pim, Oksana Gucmeryte and Jovita Valaityte of McDonalds Dungarvan pictured at the Waterford City & County Community & Voluntary Awards in the Park Hotel, Dungarvan. [Dan McGrath/Editorial Images]

Cllr. Damien Geoghegan, Mayor of Dungarvan-Lismore Municipal Area, Natanya Geoghegan and Paudi Coffey, Minister of State at the Department of the Environment, pictured at the Waterford City & County Community & Voluntary Awards in the Park Hotel, Dungarvan. [Dan McGrath/Editorial Images]

Maurice Power, Ciara Mitchell, John Supple, Ciara Griffin and John Kennedy, Ardmore Pattern Festival Committee pictured at the [Dan McGrath/Editorial Images] Waterford City & County Community & Voluntary Awards in the Park Hotel, Dungarvan.


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NEWS

Dungarvan Observer | Friday, 19 December, 2014

Santa Express at Waterford & Suir Valley Railway DEISE Camera Club has been busy travelling to capture some wonderful Festive Lighting that adorns many towns and villages throughout the county and indeed beyond. We have enjoyed the challenge of night time photography, the cold frosty bite in the air but especially the craic! Deise Camera Club members have been out in droves in Dungarvan Town capturing the twinkling lights from every vantage point. Winterval was a huge hit also and we offer many congratulations to the hard working committees who work their magic every year to make our towns and city look spectacular for Christmas. Although we have many commitments now that Christmas is almost upon us, we plan to regroup once the turkey is eaten and get out there to chase frost and maybe snow, Christmas swims and road races, wild waves, sales fever and leisurely strolls with renewed promises to get out more and enjoy this beautiful Deise countryside! PRESENTATION TO NEWPORT HOUSE DUNGARVAN We were delighted to have been invited to participate in a ‘Scenes of Dungarvan’

Photographic Exhibition recently by Dungarvan Credit Union. Hosted and organised by the Credit Union and gratefully supported and sponsored by Murrays Pharmacy and Dreoilin Glass the event proved a wonderful success. We thank everyone who purchased photographs as all contributions went directly to Newport House. Also presented was a hamper from Murrays Pharmacy and Deise Camera Club. CLUB COMPETITION We had a short meeting for December due to our Christmas Party where members had a lively night and let their hair down! Competitions on the night were Monthly theme: SPORT Congratulations to Kieran Russell who came first with ‘Dirt Biker’, 2nd Patricia Hurley with ‘Camphire Splash’, 3rd Mary Herlihy with ‘Outstanding in his Field’. Thanks to Sean Byrne, Master of Sport Photography, who critiqued both competitions and gave invaluable insights into the art of Sport Photography. The second competition was Quarterly theme: COLOUR Congratulations to Noreen O’Brien who came first with ‘Fizzy Rainbow’, 2nd

Mick Kelly with his two entries ‘Comeragh Flock’ and ‘Blue & Gold’, 4th Patricia Hurley with ‘Flamingo Flight’. The theme for January is WINTER LIGHT, so there will be plenty of opportunity to get out there and get some interesting photos. NEXT MEETING Next club meeting is 13th January, 2015, at 7.30 p.m. in Town Hall Theatre, Dungarvan. Members are reminded to check out emails and FLICKR for club update over the holidays. Busy times ahead but so much better when you are

enjoying it with friends! Check us out on Facebook, DEISE CAMERA CLUB DUNGARVAN and see what our members get up to! Thanks to all you who have found us already, we appreciate your time and interest! SEASONS GREETINGS Deise Camera Club wishes our family, friends and followers a very happy and peaceful Christmas. We thank you for your wonderful support throughout the year and look forward to your company again in 2015. Happy Christmas!

Return to Kilmeadan Station to Meet Santa and his Elves. The Mayfield Birds of Prey will also be at the station. Dates:Saturday Saturday 20th, Sunday Dates: Sunday21st, 21st,Monday Monday22nd 23rd and Tuesday, 23rd December and Tuesday, 23rd December Price : €15.00 per child and €6.00 per adult. To book telephone: 051 384058. WATERFORD & SUIR VALLEY RAILWAY Kilmeadan Station, Kilmeadan, Co Waterford.

Huge crowds at water charge protest

SPORT: 2nd ‘Camphire Splash’ by Patricia Hurley

SPORT: 1st ‘Dirt Biker’ by Kieran Russell

SPORT: 3rd ‘Outstanding in his Field’ by Mary Herlihy

COLOUR: Joint 2nd ‘Blue & Gold’ by Mick Kelly COLOUR: 1st ‘Fizzy Rainbow’ by Noreen O’Brien

COLOUR: 4th ‘Flamingo Flight’ by Patricia Hurley.

Take a trip on a real train and meet Mrs. Claus and friends in the Magic Wood.

COLOUR: Joint 2nd ‘Comeragh Flock’ by Mick Kelly

SINN Féin Councillor Siobhán Whelan reported that there were huge numbers at the Anti-Water Charge demonstration in Dublin on Wednesday, December 10th. Families, community groups, some unions, anti-water charges groups and political parties under the Right2Water umbrella travelled far and wide to register their disapproval of this new levy on the austerityweary Irish population. These huge numbers shows that there is still a widespread opposition to the introduction of the 2nd water tax. The people did not buy in to the governments “clarification and cost reduction pack”; they fully understand that this is a ploy and that the water bill will increase dramatically in the coming years. “The large numbers portray that there is still a very real fear that Irish water will be privatised, as there is no guarantee for a referendum prior to privatisation under the current legislation,” said Cllr. Whelan. All roads leading to Leinster House were blocked off by the Gardaí and their guard dogs. Cllr. Whelan was appalled that the peaceful demonstrators were denied their democratic right to protest outside Dáil Éireann and in spite of this infringement on their democratic right, the crowd stayed good-humoured. “The atmosphere was festive as people poured into Merrion Square to enjoy the music and speeches,” Cllr. Whelan noted. Cllr. Whelan would like to take this opportunity to thank the people of Dungarvan for travelling on the busses which were organised by Dungarvan Says No and Right2Water Campaign.

THANK YOU TONY DUNPHY Family Butcher, together with his daughter GERALDINE, “Hairwaves” Hair Salon, Crotty’s Corner, Abbeyside, wish to announce that they have ceased trading in Abbeyside. They wish to thank staff and customers who were so loyal to them down through the years. WE TAKE THIS OPPORTUNITY TO WISH EVERYONE A HOLY AND PEACEFUL CHRISTMAS AND A PROSPEROUS NEW YEAR.

Dungarvan Panel Beating Services COLLIGAN, DUNGARVAN 058-47318 • 087-2629704 CRASH REPAIR SPECIALISTS Low Bake Oven Insurance Work Undertaken and ALL Claims Handled

Tholim O’Leary Colligan

Diagnostic Services DEALER LEVEL DIAGNOSTICS FOR VW, AUDI, SEAT & SKODA • Full Engine Service and Time Belt Replacement on all Vehicles • DOE & NCT Prep. • All Mechanical Work Undertaken • Tyres, Lazer Tracking & Headlamp Alignment at Unbeatable Prices

W E L E A D T H E W AY … O T H E R S T RY T O F O L L O W Wishing all our customers a very happy Christmas and a peaceful New year FULLY INSURED TO COLLECT AND DELIVER YOUR VEHICLE FROM WORKPLACE OR AT HOME


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An Chúirt Dúiche …

D u n g a r v a n / L i s m o re District Court

Dungarvan Observer | Friday, 19 December, 2014

Fine imposed on man who admitted unauthorised possession of gun AN Abbeyside man who admitted unauthorised possession of a firearm and ammunition was fined last week. Michael Leahy (34) with an address at 1 McCarthyville, Abbeyside, Dungarvan, pleaded guilty to the unauthorised possession of a firearm (namely a double barrel shotgun) and ammunition, at Murphy Place, Abbeyside, Dungarvan, on 30th December, 2013. At last week’s Dungarvan District Court, Inspector David Nolan told

Judge Terence Finn that Gardaí observed the accused getting into a van at Sexton Street, Abbeyside on the date in question. They followed the van and stopped it and following a search found the gun and ammunition. Insp. Nolan said the accused gave a false name at the time, but after further Garda enquiries, the accused’s identity was established. “He made a full admission and was co-operative,” said Insp. Nolan. Solicitor David Burke said the

received a jail sentence at the time. In relation to the accused’s previous conviction, Mr. Burke said his client was “easily influenced” at the time. “My client lives locally and cares for his parents,” said Mr. Burke. Judge Finn said the court would take a benign view of the matter, and was not considering a custodial sentence, as the gun was held in the family. He handed down a €250 fine and gave a destruction order for the items seized by the Gardaí.

accused’s father is the license holder of the gun and ammunition. “The gun was legally held,” Mr. Burke pointed out. He said his client was going hunting on the day when Gardaí observed him. Insp. Nolan confirmed to the court that “there was nothing sinister” in the accused’s motives of being in possession of the weapon. The court heard that the accused has a previous conviction for a similar type offence, for which he

Suspended sentence for theft of alcohol A MAN who admitted stealing alcohol from three Dungarvan retail outlets pleaded with the District Court not to jail him, so he could be present for the birth of his second child. Paul Harty (33) with an address at Shandon halting site, Dungarvan, pleaded guilty to theft from Eurospar Abbeyside on 23rd October, 2013; theft from Lidl, Dungarvan, on 26th October, 2013; and theft from Morrissey’s Supervalu, Dungarvan, on 1st November, 2013. He had also pleaded guilty to failing to comply with the direction of a Garda, and using threatening, abusive language and behaviour in a public place at Dungarvan

Shopping Centre, on 28th August, 2013. At last week’s Dungarvan District Court, solicitor Niall King told Judge Terence Finn that the case had been adjourned from last March for a review and a Probation Service report. Mr. King informed the court that his client is currently serving a sentence and is due for release on 13th December. Inspector David Nolan, outlining the theft charges against Harty, said the accused stole alcohol - cider of various values, totalling approximately €24 - from the three retail stores on the dates in question. The property was not recovered in any of the cases.

Mr. King said his client is currently serving a six month jail sentence, which was imposed “for taking drink again”. The court heard that Harty has 92 previous convictions, eight of which are for similar theft offences. Mr. King said the goods taken by his client have been paid for. He said the money was paid by a family member. Judge Finn wondered why the accused didn’t go to the family member in the first place for the money, “rather than this charade”? Mr. King said his client is attending AA and a counsellor while in prison. “He has a chronic drink problem.There will be periods when he

is off the drink, then he will break out and that is when the incidents happen,” said Mr. King. Mr. King said his client suffers from depression and is on medication. He said his client is anxious to be out of jail for the birth of his second child, which is due soon. Judge Finn handed down a prison sentence of eight months on each charge, to run concurrently, and suspended on a Section 99 bond for two years, on condition the accused be of good behaviour and keep the peace during that time. Judge Finn warned that if Harty returns before the court, there will be no hesitation in activating the eight month jail sentence.

Martin Moore and Michael Mernan pictured at the Waterford City & County Community & Voluntary Awards in the Park Hotel, Dungarvan. [Dan McGrath/Editorial Images]

Man to gather compensation for assault on publican

David Rogers from Waterford Treasures Museum, Dymphna Traynor from Fáilte Ireland and Jenny Beresford from Dungarvan and West Waterford Chamber pictured at the official opening of the new Dungarvan Tourist Information Office, Main Street, Dungarvan. [David Clynch Photography]

A DUNGARVAN man who admitted assaulting a publican was told to gather compensation for the victim. Richard O’Leary (33) with an address at 91 Childers Estate, Dungarvan, pleaded guilty to assault, contrary to Section 2 of the Non-Fatal Offences Against the Person Act, at Kiely’s Bar, O’Connell Street, Dungarvan, on 23rd February, 2014. At last week’s Dungarvan District Court, Inspector David Nolan told Judge Terence Finn that at 11.10 p.m., on 23rd February, 2014, Gardaí received a report that the owner of Kiely’s Bar, Maurice Kiely was assaulted. “Mr. Kiely was not working at the time, but was in the premises enjoying a drink as it was his birthday. He said the accused approached and assaulted

him by a punch to the side of the face and knocking him off a stool,” said Insp. Nolan. He said the accused made admissions in regards to the assault and apologised. “The accused said he had been drinking alcohol throughout the day.” Insp. Nolan said the accused has 49 previous convictions. Solicitor Niall King asked the court to take into consideration his client’s early plea of guilty. “My client apologises for his actions on the night,” said Mr. King. He said that a dispute arose between his client and the injured party over whether O’Leary was barred from the pub. “A heated discussion then arose,” said Mr. King. “My client reacted and hit Mr.

Kiely. My client apologises for his actions and says he should have just walked away. “My client is now barred from the pub,” Mr. King said. He said O’Leary has “more or less given up drinking now”. Judge Finn said he wanted to see an element of compensation forthcoming from the accused to the injured party. He said the accused is to gather €800 to go to Mr. Kiely as compensation for what befell him. Judge Finn said the incident where the licensee was enjoying a drink on his own premises, only to be assaulted, doesn’t sit well with the court. Adjourning the case to 22nd April, 2015, he said it was plenty of time to allow the accused to gather the €800 for Mr. Kiely.

Case adjourned for probabtion report on teenager facing numerous charges A DUNGARVAN teenager who faces a number of criminal charges, some of which were committed when he was a juvenile, had his case adjourned for a further Probation Service report. John Keenan (19) with an address at 6 An Cluain, Youghal Road, Dungarvan, faces charges of: theft from Eason on 20th October, 2008; theft from Byrnes

World of Wonder, Mary Street, Dungarvan, on 18th November, 2008; theft from Dunnes Stores, Dungarvan, on 1st January, 2009; using threatening, abusive language and behaviour in a public place and producing an article in the course of a dispute, at Mary Street, Dungarvan, on 23rd January, 2009; theft from Campus Oil petrol station, Kilrush,

Dungarvan, on 22nd July, 2009; theft and using threatening, abusive language and behaviour in a public place, at Oliveres, Main Street, Dungarvan, on 25th August, 2009; theft at Main Street, Dungarvan, on 19th March, 2010; using threatening, abusive language and behaviour in a public place at Mary Street, Dungarvan, on 28th April, 2011;

burglary (intent) at Congress Villas, Dungarvan, on 20th May, 2011; being intoxicated in public and using threatening, abusive language and behaviour in a public place at Wolfe Tone Road, Dungarvan, on 11th August, 2012; and using threatening, abusive language and behaviour in a public place at Mitchel Street, Dungarvan, on 21st

August, 2013. At last week’s Dungarvan District Court, solicitor David Burke said his client has been behaving himself in recent times. “The court gave my client several opportunities to put his house in order. He has no structure in life and it would help him if he had structure,” Mr. Burke told Judge

Terence Finn. He said his client is also expecting the arrival of a child in six week’s time. Judge Finn said he would place the accused under the care of the Probation Service for a report. He adjourned the case to 24th June, 2015.


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Dungarvan Observer | Friday, 19 December, 2014

Youth warned to “conduct himself properly” A COUNTY Waterford youth who was acting in a threatening manner towards staff in a shopping mall was warned by the District Judge to “conduct himself properly” in future. The 17-year-old youth who cannot be named as he is underage, pleaded guilty to using threatening, abusive language and behaviour in a public place, contrary to Section 6 of the Public Order Act, at Dungarvan

Shopping Centre on 10th March, 2014. Outlining the case at last week’s Dungarvan District Court, Inspector David Nolan told Judge Terence Finn that a group of teenagers were causing problems in shops in the shopping centre at around 6.15 p.m. on the afternoon in question. “Gardaí were called and they observed the accused acting aggressively towards

staff,” said Insp. Nolan. He said the accused was warned to desist from his behaviour, but wouldn’t comply so had to be arrested. The youth has no previous convictions. Solicitor David Burke said his client’s father “has him under serious control now”. A report on the accused was available to the court. Judge Finn noted the

Youth who admitted possession of drugs to make poor box donation

Pictured at the Abbeyside Christmas Fair were Daniele, Rihanna and Alex Connors. [Sean Byrne//Deise Media]

Woman sent forward for trial A WOMAN who is alleged to have made a false allegation of rape was sent forward for trial last week. Samantha Veale (22) with an address at 15 Leacan Fionn, Dungarvan, is accused of allegedly making a false allegation at Dungarvan Garda Station on 11th March, 2013, that an offence had been committed, namely an alleged rape. At last week’s Dungarvan District Court, Inspector David Nolan said that a Book of Evidence has been served. Judge Terence Finn made an order sending the accused forward for trial to the next sittings of Waterford Circuit Criminal Court, commencing on 13th January, 2015. Judge Finn warned the accused that she has 14 days to furnish the prosecution with details of any witnesses she intends calling to give evidence at the trial. Failure to do so and those witnesses won’t be entitled to give evidence. The accused indicated she understood.

Bench warrant issued A WATERFORD driver who failed to appear in court last week had a bench warrant issued for his arrest. John Ward (21) with an address at 21 St. Catherine’s Grange, Waterford, is accused of not having tax on his vehicle; not displaying L-plates; a provisional driver unaccompanied by a qualified driver; careless driving; failing to produce insurance; using a vehicle with no NCT; failing to produce an NCT certificate; and not having insurance at Shandon Street, Dungarvan, on 19th December, 2013. Judge Terence Finn noted there was no appearance by the accused at last week’s Dungarvan District Court and issued a bench warrant for his arrest.

A DUNGARVAN man who was found in possession of a controlled substance will have the charge struck out if he makes a donation to the court poor box. Tyrone Duggan (19) unemployed, with an address at 7 Cathal Brugha Place, Dungarvan, pleaded guilty to possession of an amphetamine-type drug, contrary to Section 3 of the Misuse of Drugs Act, at St. Bridget’s Terrace, Dungarvan, on 25th January, 2014. At last week’s Dungarvan

District Court, Inspector David Nolan told Judge Terence Finn that on the date in question, the accused began acting suspiciously when he saw the Garda patrol. After a search of the accused, a small quantity of drugs was found in the accused’s wallet. Insp. Nolan described the drug as a ‘fluoroamphetamine’ with a street value of approximately €30. Solicitor David Burke said his client has no previous convictions and his client has not come to any

Garda attention since. Insp. Nolan confirmed this to be the case. “It was a silly bit of experimentation by my client,” said Mr. Burke. Judge Finn said he hoped the youthful experimentation was now over and said the matter would be treated leniently if a donation of €250 was made. The case was adjourned to 11th February, 2015, for payment of the donation and a destruction order was given for the confiscated controlled substance.

Man trying to get into night club arrested for his own safety A DUNGARVAN man who was trying to gain entry to a night club in an intoxicated state had to be arrested for his own safety. Eddie Harty (21) with an address at 5 Kilminion Close, Ballinroad, Dungarvan, pleaded guilty to being intoxicated in public at Davitt’s Quay,

Dungarvan, on 26th January, 2014. Inspector David Nolan told Judge Terence Finn at last week’s Dungarvan District Court, that Gardaí observed the accused in an intoxicated state. “He was trying to gain entry into the night club. There was a strong smell of

intoxicating liquor from him and his eyes were glassy,” said Insp. Nolan. “He had to be arrested for his own safety.” The court heard the accused has three previous convictions. Judge Finn handed down a €100 fine.

Theft charge adjourned for report

TV licence prosecution

A WOMAN who pleaded guilty to a theft charge had her case adjourned to await a Probation report. Belinda Donovan (32) with an address at 3 Convent Lodge, Mitchel Street, Dungarvan, pleaded guilty to theft from New Look, Dungarvan, on 12th February, 2014. At last week’s Dungarvan District Court, Inspector

A WOMAN who failed to purchase a television licence was fined last week. Marian Richter, with an address at 6 Cois Bride, Tallow, was fined €350, plus €80 prosecution costs, at last week’s Lismore District Court, for being in possession of a television set without a TV licence when an Inspector with An Post called to her home on 11th March, 2014. The case had been adjourned from a previous sitting of the District Court to allow the accused to purchase a licence. However, at last week’s Lismore District Court, Judge Terence Finn was informed that the accused has not purchased a TV licence to date.

THE District Judge refused jurisdiction in a case where a County Waterford youth is alleged to have caused harm to another by assault with a broken glass bottle. The 16-year-old youth who cannot be named as he is underage, is accused of

David Nolan told Judge Terence Finn that Gardaí were called to New Look, Dungarvan, after the accused was observed acting suspiciously in the shop. “CCTV was viewed and the accused was observed putting a jumper and accessories into a bag and leaving without paying,” said Insp. Nolan. The jumper was valued

at €29.99 and the accessories totalled €7.49. Insp. Nolan said the property was recovered. Convicting the accused of the theft charge, Judge Finn adjourned the case to 25th March, 2015, to await a Probation Service report and to monitor the accused’s behaviour.

Judge refuses jurisdiction in case alleged assault causing harm and allegedly producing an article in the course of a dispute, namely a broken glass bottle, at his home on 11th July, 2014. At last week’s Juvenile sitting of Dungarvan District Court, Inspector

David Nolan outlined the allegations to Judge Terence Finn. Judge Finn refused jurisdiction in the case. The case was adjourned to 28th January, 2015, for the preparation of a Book of Evidence.

report referred to the accused’s threatening conduct towards staff as “hyperactivity”. Mr. Burke said his client has some “medical issues” and is seeing a doctor at the moment. Judge Finn enquired if the accused was barred from the shopping centre, but Insp. Nolan said the Gardaí had no information that the youth was banned. Adjourning the case to

24th June, 2015, for further reports and to monitor the accused, Judge Finn warned the youth that if he enters the shopping centre again, he is to conduct himself properly. “If an incident like this happens again, I will lose my cool,” Judge Finn warned. The accused indicated to the Judge that he understood.

Man fined for attempt to flee from Gardaí A MAN who ran from Gardaí who were attempting to carry out a search of him, was fined last week for obstruction. David Kett (25) with an address at 50 Leacan Fionn, Dungarvan, had pleaded guilty at a previous sitting of the District Court to obstruction at Grattan Square, Dungarvan, on 24th March, 2013. At the time, the court heard that Gardaí had wanted to search the accused under the Misuse of Drugs Act, but the accused had fled from the Gardaí.

He was described as intoxicated on the night and stumbling in and out of traffic. The case was adjourned to monitor the accused. At last week’s Dungarvan District Court, solicitor David Burke said his client has “turned his life around in a positive way”. “He is a full-time labourer and in a relationship.They have three young children,” said Mr. Burke. “My client regrets his activities on the night.” Judge Finn handed down a €250 fine.

Theft charge struck out A WOMAN who admitted theft from a shop had the charge struck out under the Probation Against Offenders Act. Margaret Morrissey (43) with an address at 7 Cois Abhann, Ballyduff Upper, County Waterford, pleaded guilty to theft from Dunnes Stores, Dungarvan, on 5th February, 2013. At last week’s Dungarvan District Court, Inspector David Nolan told Judge Terence Finn that on the date in question Gardaí responded to a report of theft from Dunnes Stores. “The accused was being detained by security. The accused had paid for a number of items, but had concealed other items in a child’s buggy, which she did not pay for,” said Insp. Nolan. “The accused was remorseful about the incident. The property was recovered and in a resaleable condition.”

The accused has no previous convictions. Solicitor Martin Lavan said his client is married with a child. “She is very remorseful,” said Mr. Lavan. “She was going through a difficult patch financially.” He said his client was suffering from post-natal depression at the time and doesn’t remember much about the incident, except the approach by security. “My client did want to pay for the goods,” he said. “This won’t happen again.” Judge Finn said the court notes the type of products taken, some of which were child products. He dismissed the charge under Section 1 (1) of Probation Against Offenders Act. Judge Finn said there was no formal conviction and said he did not want to see the accused before the courts again.


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PICTORIAL

Willie Hogan from Lismore Cycling Holidays pictured with Ronan O'Connor from Ardmore Adventures at the official opening of the new Dungarvan Tourist Information Office, Main Street, Dungarvan. [David Clynch Photography]

Dungarvan Observer | Friday, 19 December, 2014

Billy Duggan from Waterford City & County Council and Deirdre Cole from Fรกilte Ireland pictured at the official opening of the new Dungarvan Tourist Information Office, Main Street, Dungarvan. [David Clynch Photography]

Mayor of County Waterford Damien Geoghegan, Christine O'Donovan President of Dungarvan and West Waterford Chamber, John Walsh from CMT Community Services and Michael Quinn from Waterford City & County Council pictured at the official opening of the new Dungarvan Tourist Information Office, Main Street, Dungarvan. [David Clynch Photography]

Barbara Grubb from Dromana House and Gardens and Kristin Jameson from Tourin House and Gardens pictured at the official opening of the new Dungarvan Tourism Office.

Eimhin Ni Chonchuir from West Waterford Festival of Food pictured with Catherine Kavanagh from Dungarvan at the official opening of the new Dungarvan Tourist Information Office, Main Street, Dungarvan. [David Clynch Photography]

[David Clynch Photography]

Lynn Cahill Tourism Officer for Waterford City & County Council, Oren Little from Theatre Royal and David Rogers from Waterford Treasures Museum pictured at the official opening of the new Dungarvan Tourist Information Office, Main Street, Dungarvan. [David Clynch Photography]

Mags Durand O'Connor from Dungarvan Enterprise Centre pictured with Peter Mulryan from Blackwater Distillery at the official opening of the new Dungarvan Tourist Office. [David Clynch Photography]

Mary Flynn from Nell's Farmhouse and Margaret Flanagan from Coole Country Cottages pictured at the official opening of the new Dungarvan Tourist Office. [David Clynch Photography]

Brian McCarthy from Totem, Mary Houlihan Tourism Officer Waterford City & County Council, Karen Dempsey from Karen Dempsey Photography, Colin Byrne from Totem pictured at the official opening of the new Dungarvan Tourist Information Office, Main Street, Dungarvan. [David Clynch Photography]

Winni Swinbourn, Margaret Barton, Michael Brown, Jenny Beresford from Dungarvan and West Waterford Chamber, Ann Howley and Bridget O'Sullivan pictured at the official opening of the new Dungarvan Tourist Information Office, Main Street, Dungarvan. [David Clynch Photography]

David Zannis and Bernadette Drohan, both from Waterford City & County Council pictured with Mary Houlihan Tourism Officer for Waterford City & County Council at the official opening of the new Dungarvan Tourist Information Office, Main Street, Dungarvan. [David Clynch Photography]


NEWS

Dungarvan Observer | Friday, 19 December, 2014

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Dungarvan Actor nominated for prestigious European ‘Shooting Stars’ Award By Paul Mooney DUNGARVAN Actor Moe Dunford has been nominated by Bord Scannán na hÉireann for a prestigious European Shooting Stars Award at the 65th Berlin International Film Festival, which will be held in February, 2015. Moe, a past pupil of Dungarvan CBS and a graduate of the Gaiety School of Acting, plays the lead role of ‘Patrick’ in the Terry McMahon movie ‘Patrick’s Day’ which has been taking the Film Festival circuit by storm. Since its world premiere at the SXSW (South by South West) Film Festival in Austin, Texas, USA, at the start of the year, the film has gone on to take awards and accolades, including joint Best Film Feature at the Galway Film Fleadh; the Audience Award at

the Cork Film Festival; Best Actor (Moe Dunford), Best Screenplay (Terry McMahon) at the Hell’s Half Mile Film Festival, Michigan, USA; Best Feature Narrative (Terry McMahon), Best Cinematography (Michael Lavelle) and Best Editing (Emer Reynolds) at the Woodstock Film Festival, New York, USA; as well as winning the coveted Screen Directors Guild ‘Finders Series’ Award, resulting in the film being screened in Hollywood, USA, by the Directors Guild of America. A production of Ignition Film Productions, ‘Patrick’s Day’ has been acquired by Wildcard Distribution for general release in cinemas in early 2015. The film tells the story of ‘Patrick’, a schizophrenic who falls in love with a suicidal flight attendant - a provocative and heart-breaking love story

about the right to intimacy for everyone. Moe is up against nine other actors for the Shooting Star Award. The Shooting Stars Award shines a spotlight on Europe’s best emerging actors, with the shortlist of ten actors selected from a highly competitive list of actors from over 25 European countries. Other recipients and nominations for the Shooting Stars Award in the past include current ‘James Bond’ actor Daniel Craig, Domhnall Gleeson (Frank) and Andrew Scott (who plays Moriarty in ‘Sherlock’). Moe has appeared in many popular television programmes in the past number of years, including ‘Raw’, ‘An Crisis Eile’, ‘Game of Thrones’, ‘The Tudors’, and as ‘Aethelwulf ’, Prince of Wessex in ‘Vikings’, and many other performances on stage.

Moe Dunford, from Dungarvan, who was nominated for a European Shooting Stars Award at the Berlin International Film Festival, which will be held in February.

Council congratulates Moe Dunford on European award nomination A VOTE of congratulations was extended from Waterford Council to Dungarvan Actor Moe Dunford, who has recently been nominated for a ‘Shooting Star’ award at the Berlin International Film Festival. Proposing the vote of congrat-

ulations at the December meeting of Waterford City and County Council, Cllr. Damien Geoghegan said Moe comes from a theatrical family in Dungarvan. “It is great to see a young man, in his early 20s, beginning

to carve out a fantastic career in the movies,” said Cllr. Geoghegan. Moe, a past pupil of Dungarvan CBS and Dublin’s Gaiety School of Acting, was nominated for the Shooting Star award by Bord Scannán na

hÉireann and is up against nine other actors from various other European countries. Moe played the lead role in the Terry McMahon film ‘Patrick’s Day’ which is due for release in cinemas in early 2015. Patrick’s Day has picked up

numerous awards in the film festival circuit over the past year. Other actors who have been nominated in the past for the Shooting Stars award include Domhnall Gleeson (Frank); and current ‘James Bond’, Daniel Craig.

From Dungarvan to Kolkata ... Mary says thanks! MARY Tobin from An Rinn has just returned from another visit to the HOPE Foundation which does amazing work with street and slum children and very poor families in Kolkata in India funding almost 70 projects. “This was my second visit to Kolkata, and before I went, I sold Butler’s Chocolate Bars in Dungarvan and surrounding areas raising €1,860 for the HOPE Foundation, a registered Irish Charity,” she said. “Thanks to all who supported this very worthy cause. It is heartening to know that by simply buying a bar of HOPE Butlers Chocolate, you can make a difference to someone’s life!” Mary added. Pictured are young children in the homework club in Panditya Coaching Centre, a residential home in Kolkata run by the HOPE Foundation. [Mary Tobin]

As well as starring in Vikings, as ‘Aethelwulf ’ Prince of Wessex, Moe has appeared in many other popular television programmes, including ‘The Tudors’, ‘Game of Thrones’, ‘An Crisis Eile’, and ‘Raw’, as well as numerous stage plays and performances.

Council asked to provide funding to maintain Portlaw Heritage Centre WATERFORD Council will look at providing some maintenance for the upkeep of Portlaw’s Heritage Centre. Cllr. Mary Butler told the recent meeting of the Comeragh District Council that the building where the Heritage Centre is located needs painted and she also sought some funding for electricity for the building. She drew attention to a recent event at the Heritage Centre, which

Cllr. Mary Butler. attracted a large amount of people. “The Heritage Centre in Portlaw does a lot of fantastic work,” she said. “They hope to obtain Heritage Status for the town of Portlaw going forward.” She asked the Council to provide funding to paint the building and to pay for electricity in the building. A Council official noted the request and said she would pass it onto the relevant section.


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NEWS

Dungarvan Observer | Friday, 19 December, 2014

Déise newsround

A near miss with fame THIS Debs photo of a young woman about to emerge into the spotlight of Irish society and which appeared in the Irish Independent in the mid-Thirties tells a story of a missed opportunity, which might also have been a lucky escape, depending on how people might view worldwide fame. Mary O’Connell, coming from a wealthy family and who might have been related to The Liberator himself, had had a privileged upbringing and attended boarding school in her teens. Her family photos tell some of the story as in one she is seen in a flying suit and ‘Biggles’ goggles beside a light plane, about to take a flying lesson, while in another she is standing proudly beside her new Ford Prefect which she had been given for her 21st Birthday. Nobody is quite sure what might have been, but Sar’anne O’Rourke, the genial proprietor of Seasons in Main Street and grand-daughter of Mary O’Connell, often speculates where she might be now, had her grandmother availed of the opportunity of going to Hollywood a couple of generations ago. The story begins with Mary’s attendance at the Debs Ball with a number of her friends and classmates in one of the foremost hotels in Dublin. Among those present and yet to come into contact with, was a blazing redhead called Mary Maureen

FitzSimons whose name would become synonymous with Irish Cinema in latter years when she became better known as Maureen O’Hara. Both were enjoying their special occasion in the luxurious comfort of the hotel where the Ball was being held when separately they were approached by a talent scout from Hollywood who asked them if they would like to take a screen test, from which might emerge an opportunity to travel to the film capital of the world and the possibility of becoming a movie star. They both agreed and speculated through the evening on all of the possibilities before them. A photographer took their pictures and Mary’s was published in the Irish Independent the following day. While Mary might have thought the offer of a screen test was an exciting one, her father had a different idea and forbade his daughter, on pain of being disowned, to go to the studio in London, equating an acting career with another far less savoury one. However, Maureen FitzSimons followed through on the test, was successful and, in due course, was brought to Hollywood where she made a host of films the best known of which are ‘The Quiet Man’ with John Wayne and set in Ireland, ‘Miracle on 34th Street’ and ‘How Green

was my Valley’. She also has the distinction of being the first woman in the world to head an Airline Corporation. Mary O’Connell continued along the more conventional route to marriage and a family. In time, she fell in love with and married George Cahill and went to live in Coventry, staying there for much of the Second World War and where her daughter, Sar’anne’s mother, Celia, was born just before hostilities began. Her husband was in the RAF, but the family returned to Ireland in 1944. Years later, when Celia was training to be a hairdresser in Leon’s in Dublin, who should come in but Maureen O’Hara. After some time, Celia ventured to ask her if she remembered a woman called Mary O’Connell, explaining that she was her mother. “Certainly I do,” replied Maureen, “if it were not for your grandfather, I would not be where I am today.” Three generations on, Sar’anne would love to meet the doyen of the Irish film world and ask her about the night the two ladies had a life-changing experience. For one of them, it produced a string of successful films and for the other, a photograph in the national paper and the founding of a dynasty which reaches to Dungarvan and Ring three-quarters of a century later.

Mary O'Connell Cahill as pictured in the Irish Independent.

At war at Christmas IN this Centenary year of the outbreak of World War I, much of the coverage has been on the causes of the war, the casualties and the transformation of the conflict from a war between several nations to a bloodbath taking in countries from Australia, through Turkey to the original protagonists, Britain and Germany to Canada across the Atlantic and finally to the United States itself. The dedication last week of another memorial at Messines, this time by Uefa, the European governing body of soccer near the location of the official Irish monument to this country’s casualties in The Great War brings back memories of one of the most poignant events involving the occupants of the horrific trenches which ran between Switzerland and the coast near

Ypres. This new memorial dedicated by UEFA, commemorates the war weary soldiers from opposing sides who shelved their differences on Christmas Day 1914 to engage in an activity common to all sides, the game of soccer. Already weary of a war which was less than five months old and yearning for some normality, On Christmas Eve, 1914 soldiers from both sides of No Man’s Land rose from their trenches and hesitantly moved forward to meet their counterparts in the opposite trenches. Reports tell us that the rank and file soldiers began to socialise with each other, much to the disgust of their officers who did not take part in the informal truce. There are many stories of

what happened in No Mans Land that Christmas Eve and Morning and again a year later, with reports being carried in the press of the exchange of gifts like pies and wine (as reported in the New York Times), cigarettes and chocolate as well as other comforts from home. Christmas Carols were sung and the opportunity was also taken to recover bodies and bury the dead. Soccer being popular in both countries, some of the soldiers decided to hold an impromptu match which became a defining image in the century since. The scene was replicated along the line that year and also in the following Christmas of 1915. So, the lesson is that what all of the diplomatic might and manoeuvres could not achieve was brought about by the lowliest

ranks of the various armies. This event was mentioned in the definitive and iconic work on World War I, ‘All Quiet on the Western Front’ and also in the French Film of 2005, ‘Joyeux Noel’. This film was nominated for awards by the Motion Picture Academy (the Oscars), the Golden Globes and the BAFTA as a foreign language film. One London newspaper gives a contemporary account of the event: “In regard to the fraternising between British and German soldiers on the battlefield, of which many examples were forthcoming at Christmas and New Year’s, there is reason to believe that this practice meets with the strongest disapproval from the commanders of both forces. It looks very pretty and is

brotherly to read about, but the commanders with tens of thousands of lives, to say nothing about the strategical problems to consider, have a wholesome dread of what a guileless soldier in his exhibition of temporary good-will towards his antagonist might possibly give away to the

advantage of the other side. There will be no more fraternising, in fact there will be no more time for it during the next month or so, if there is any truth in certain statements which are persistently made by those who ought to know.”

The new War Memorial at Messines, Belgium commemorating the Christmas Day Football Matches during World War I.

Déise Aid to help Pieta House and Children’s Hospital CHRISTMAS prompts many good works and another example of this will take place on the coming Saturday night in The Moorings on The Quay when a Christmas CD will be launched in aid of Pieta House, Waterford and Our Lady's Children's Hospital, Crumlin. The idea for this fundraiser which is being styled ‘Deise Aid’ came from the talented Kris Cowming who ‘came into some free time’ recently. “I was watching the making of Band Aid 30 on TV one evening,” he says, “and decided it would be cool if the community of Dungarvan could do something similar. I posted

the idea on Facebook and got a very positive response” I then took the idea to the members of Curtain Call Productions and again, I got a very enthusiastic response from their Committee. They quickly divided out the responsibilities and tasks and in three days the package was put together.” John Stack wrote the song and took the reins as Musical Director and the company came together on several occasions. It was a group that one member described as an ‘enthusiastic crew of mega talented singers’ and they rehearsed several times in the Town Hall Theatre producing a very pleasing

sound. Last Saturday, the company, consisting of eighteen soloists and a backing chorus of fifteen other singers, travelled to Claycastle Studios in Youghal to bring the fruits of their talents together. “I had done some work in the past with Claycastle,” says Kris, “and I knew they would make a very professional job of it. Some members even brought their families along and everyone had a very enjoyable experience. We started at 10.30 a.m. and the entire project was wrapped up by 5.00 p.m. It was a very fruitful and rewarding day.

“I asked Kieran McCarthy Video to record the making of the CD in the same way as Live Aid did and he made a magnificent job of it. The message of the video centres around Pieta House and there is a beautiful opening which features twelve people targeting the Pieta House Suicide Awareness and Prevention message.This will be put up on Youtube when the CD is launched.” There is no doubt that with all of that talent, enthusiasm and goodwill, together with a good song and committed performers, the Deise should have a mega hit on their hands.

It would be advisable to get an early copy as there will be enormous demand for what will be a song for Christmasses to come.

The Moorings will be the place to be next Saturday night when John Stack and his band KJB will be providing the music and promoting the new Deise Aid single.

Some of the Deise Aid singers in action at Claycastle Studios last Saturday.


Dungarvan Observer | Friday, 19 December, 2014

NEWS

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The Newsreader THE WEEK THAT WAS IN IT . . .

What chances a White Christmas? IT was inevitable that when America suffered the effects of a Polar Vortex a few weeks ago, that Ireland would have to have one too. Apparently, according to some weather forecasters, we will have a harsh winter and the kind of snowfalls which we have not seen in fifty years. Hands up all those who can remember the winter and spring of 1962/63? That was the year it started to snow on New Year’s Eve and kept going on and off for several weeks. This was to compound the problems caused by freezing conditions which had set in at Christmas and which made the ground perfect for powdery snow to lodge. We had just survived the very real threat of nuclear war and the extinction of the human race over a fortnight in October and people were looking forward to a worry-free Christmas and a bright new year of 1963. Weatherwise, that did not happen and we had a landmark year for snow, surpassed only by that of 1947. Now, we are told, the country

is facing the coldest winter in more than 50 years due to a freak combination of weather elements. According to a report in the Irish Independent at the weekend, we could be facing four weeks of freezing temperatures, with snowfalls over 60cm in depth, from the Christmas period through to late January. This would be a replica of the ’62 / ’63 event and we are told that temperatures could sink as low as -10C. We do not have to go back fifty years for that low temperature as we experienced -15 in this area five years ago and a bit colder in other areas of the country. So called long-range weather forecasters have warned us of the imminent arrival of a "polar vortex" which threatens the Gulf Stream which dictates our weather. “This would allow bitterly cold winds to sweep in from the east,” says the report, “bringing icy conditions similar to the Big Freeze of 2010, and possibly as bad as the infamous winter of

1963.” However, the professionals at Met Eireann have warned that it is still too early to make such exact predictions – although the immediate forecast is for icy weather into late December. “James Madden of Exactaweather.com said that, in a worst-case scenario, Ireland is looking at a big freeze that will rival the icy winter of 1963, which brought the entire country to a standstill. “An astonishing 45cm of snow fell in a matter of hours and a number of people died from hypothermia and weatherrelated accidents. “If the long-range predictions are accurate, weather matching the extended chill of 2010 will arrive some time between Christmas and New Year's Day. Mr. Madden warned that the next 10 days will determine whether the Arctic weather front develops as feared for late December. We will watch and wait with eager interest for what comes over the horizon.

The cyber surge TIME was when the main threat to Christmas shopping in a provincial town was the attraction of going to the City for the greater range of products, the bigger choice of shops and, of course, the Christmas lights from 8th December onwards. These days, cities are switching on extravagant Christmas lighting displays in mid-November and the provincial shops have to run to catch up. Doing more than catch-up is Dungarvan which in the past few years has developed a magnificent lighting system to match any city. It certainly helps the mood of shoppers around the town and the stores report that the new system is successful in stemming at least some of the business from draining away elsewhere. Now, the main threat is the emerging trend towards internet shopping where a great deal of the additional Christmas budget is being spent. One advantage of the internet is that people often have done their browsing on line rather than in-store where they can take up valuable store assistant’s time moving from item to item and brand to brand.Very often now a shopper will go into a store knowing precisely what they want and be back out in minutes with or without the particular item. But business is far from doom and gloom and Dungarvan traders are reasonably happy so far with the level of business this year. Cities, however, experienced a greater movement of shoppers last weekend and there was a sense that people were at last beginning to spend serious money on Christmas. According to a report in the Irish Independent this week, up to 600,000 shoppers pounded pavements in Dublin city on Saturday, and retailers expect even higher numbers next weekend and in the days leading up to December 25th. “Small and medium-sized retailers are expecting

only a modest sales increase of around 3pc in traditional stores over the festive period after digital sales soared up to 300pc during last month's so-called 'Black Friday' weekend. “However, local authorities' efforts to bring shoppers into urban centres were deemed a success as free parking initiatives and Christmas festivals and markets kept hundreds of thousands on footpaths from morning until night. “Chief executive of Retail Excellence Ireland David Fitzsimons said: "A huge amount of money was spent online this year. After Black Friday and Cyber Monday, we were just amazed; it took us all by shock. But it's going to have a negative impact in the week running up to Christmas. "People are still going into the city; they're catching up with their pals, there's a lot of activity at Christmas markets this year in Galway, Cork, Waterford and Dublin. There was a real occasion and event to the weekend. In terms of conventional shopping, it's back a little on last year because of the significant activity that happened over the Black Friday weekend. For the uninitiated, Black Friday is the day after the major Thanksgiving holiday in the US when shoppers go crazy in stores. Women go shopping, men go shooting! Cyber Monday, the day after that same weekend, was an effort in Ireland to generate extra sales on line and it met with a certain measure of success. Consumers spent €74m during Black Friday weekend last month, including €22m on Cyber Monday, a 17pc increase on last year, according to Visa Europe. Business is an eternal battle with new threats emerging all the time, but resilient stores must fight the good fight, or go under in the forward surge.

Pictured are members of Waterford Scooter Club presenting a cheque for €2,450 to the Felicity Tubritt Lourdes Fund. Receiving the cheque was Mary Power, Waterford & Lismore Diocesan Pilgrimage.

[John Power]


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COMYN (12th anniversary) – In loving memory of Willie Comyn, late of Mahon Bridge, who died on 19th December, 2002. Masses offered. Little we knew that morning, What sorrow that day would bring, The shock was great, the loss severe, To part with someone so very dear. No matter how life changes, No matter what we do, A special place within our hearts, Is always kept for you.

IN MEMORIAM

In Memoriam DUNFORD (32nd anniversary) – In loving memory of my mother Anastatia Dunford, late of Kilnafrehan Middle, Dungarvan, who died on 20th December, 1982. R.I.P. Masses offered. –Always remembered by her son Ted; daughter-inlaw Mary and grandchildren Stacey and Edwina, and their husbands Stuart and Philip and great grandchildren Ethan and Isla. FLYNN (10th anniversary) – In loving memory of Patrick (Pad) Flynn, late of Durrow and Abbeyside, who died on 16th December, 2004. Will those who think of him today, A little prayer to Jesus say.

–Always remembered by Pad’s sister Josie; nieces and nephews.

–Always remembered by your brothers Michael, Monnie and Nicholas, Kate and family.

CULLINAN (5th anniversary) – In memory of a loved one who has gone before us, John Cullinan, late of Dromana, Cappoquin, whose Anniversary occurs on 23rd December. Mass offered. God called home a loved one, Amidst the glistening snow, Sadly missed every day, A dear husband, Dad and Grandad.

FOLEY – We remember the birthday of Margrethe Foley, late of Ballyneety, Dungarvan, which falls on 9th December, and 13th Anniversary on 22nd December.

–Sadly missed by your loving wife Hannah and family at home and away.

Our Lady Queen of the Most Holy Rosary, Pray for him.

HANNIGAN (4th anniversary) – In loving memory of Paddy Hannigan, late of Ballinacourty, Dungarvan, who died on 22nd December, 2010. R.I.P. Anniversary Mass will be celebrated on Sunday, 21st December, at 10.00 a.m., in St. Laurence’s Church, Ballinroad. Your life was love and labour, Your love for your family true, Loved and respected by all you knew, We will always remember you. Always willing, helpful and kind, What beautiful memories you left behind, May the God of love and mercy, Care for our loved one who is gone, And bless with consolation, Those left to carry on.

–Always remembered by his loving wife Deirdre; daughter Ruth; sons Nick and Barry; daughter-in-law Anne and grand-daughters Laura and Cíara.

–Will never be forgotten by ‘Cam,’ Eileen, Anne, James, Maria, extended family and friends.

HEALY (3rd anniversary) – In loving memory of Nora Healy, late of Old Parish, Dungarvan, whose Anniversary occurs on 30th December. Anniversary Mass will be celebrated in Séipéal na Rinne on Sunday, 21st December, at 11.30 a.m. HALLINAN (3rd anniversary) – In loving memory of Kathleen Hallinan, late of Kilgobinet, Dungarvan, who died on 21st December, 2011. R.I.P.

Will those who think of him today, A little prayer to Jesus say.

LANDERS (27th anniversary) – In loving memory of my dear father John Landers, late of Ballinroad, who died on 23rd December, 1987. R.I.P. Masses offered.

Special people become a part of who we are, And our lives are richer for it, She died as she lived, Everyone’s friend.

–(Nora), Michael, Catherine, Sean, Bridget, Mary, Tom and Liam; sonsin-law, daughters-in-law and grandchildren.

CURRAN (9th anniversary) – In loving memory of Martin Curran, late of Shanakill, Dungarvan, who died on 21st December, 2005. Anniversary Mass will be celebrated on Friday, 13th February, 2015, at 7.30 p.m., in St. Mary’s Parish Church, Dungarvan.

Dungarvan Observer | Friday, 19 December, 2014

Along the road to yesterday, That leads us straight to you, Are memories of happy days, Together we once knew.

–Sadly missed by your sisters Mary and Peggy; nieces and nephews.

BEREAVEMENT Support and help available Service – Free & Confidential Tel. 058-46100 www.westwaterfordbereavement.org

It broke our hearts to lose you, But you did not go alone, For a part of us went with you, The day God called you home. So keep your arms around her Lord, And give her special care, Make up for all that she has suffered, And all that seemed unfair. You left us beautiful memories, Your love is still our guide, And though we cannot see you, You are always at our side.

–Always loved and remembered by your husband Michael, family and friends.

The person who doesn’t advertise knows what they’re doing – but no one else does! Call … 058-41205/42042 e-mail: adverts@dungarvanobserver.ie

–Always remembered by his loving daughter Carmel; son-in-law Lar; granddaughter Majella, Brendan, Darragh and Sarah. LOOBY (10th anniversary) – In loving memory of our dad Tom Looby, late of Sleady, Ballinamult, who died on 18th December, 2004. Will those who think of Dad today, A little prayer to Jesus say.

–Always remembered by Laura, Mark, Tom and Lily; Alan, Joan, Eoghan and Aoibhe, XXXX.

McGRATH (1st anniversary) – In loving memory of my brother Robbie McGrath, late of Kilnagrange, Kilmacthomas, who died on 19th December, 2013. God saw you getting tired, And a cure was not to be, So he put his arms around you, And whispered “come to me.” With tearful eyes we watched you, And saw you pass away, Although we loved you dearly, We could not make you stay. A golden heart stopped beating, Hard working hands to rest, God broke our hearts to prove to us, He only takes the best.

–Sadly missed and always remembered by your loving brother Tom, Breda and your nieces and nephews Ann, Catherine, Paddy, Tommy, Willie and Michelle. ––––––––––––––– Along the road to yesterday, That leads us straight to you, Our memories of happy days, Together we once knew. You left those memories Robbie, They make us laugh and cry, But the love that’s planted in our hearts, While we live will never die.

–Always remembered by Ann, Paul, Lisa, Kelly, James, Stacey and Kyle.

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McGRATH (27th anniversary) – In loving memory of Tommy McGrath, late of Inchindrisla, Dungarvan, who died on 11th December, 1987. R.I.P. Two tired eyes are sleeping, Two willing hands are still, The one who worked so hard for us, Is resting at God’s will.

–Always remembered by your sons Tom and Jim, daughters-in-law Margaret and Ethna and all the family.

O’BYRNE (3rd anniversary) – In loving memory of our dear wife and mother Helen, late of Lower Glen, Modeligo, who died on 24th December, 2011. R.I.P.

O’BYRNE (3rd anniversary) – In loving memory of our dear daughter Helen O’Byrne, late of Lower Glen, Modeligo, Cappagh, who died on 24th December, 2011. R.I.P. A day that’s filled with sadness, Returns to us today, To mark the day you left us, In such a sudden way. Memories we treasure, One by one, Things you have said, Things you have done. They bring a smile, Sometimes a tear, But always a wish, That you were still here.

–Lovingly remembered, never forgotten, Mam and Dad; Mike and Rita, Thos and Denise; Mary, Jim and Ka; Ed and Martha; Lar and Alaine; Therese and Brian, Sean and Ann-Marie; Noelle and John; Carol and Meriza and all her nieces, nephews, aunts and uncles, XX. Anniversary Mass will be celebrated on Christmas Eve at 11.00 a.m. in Modeligo Church.

Though her smile is gone forever, And her hand I cannot touch, I still have so many memories, Of the one I loved so much. Her memory is my keepsake, With which I’ll never part, God has her in his keeping, I have her in my heart.

–Lovingly remembered and missed so much, Johnny, Cian and Nicole. Anniversary Mass will be celebrated on Wednesday, 24th December, at 11.00 a.m. in Modeligo Church.

For Quick Results Use the Small Adverts. Section Call our Office or use your Credit or Debit Card by Phone Dungarvan Observer, Shandon, Dungarvan, Co. Waterford. Tel. (058) 41205 / 42042. Fax: (058) 41559.

O’RIORDAN (1st anniversary) – Treasured memories of a loving husband, dad and grandad Michael O’Riordan, late of ‘Bungalow,’ Pinewood Lawn, Abbeyside, whose First Anniversary occurs on 16th December. I lost my life’s companion, A life linked with my own, You’re still mine to remember, A husband proud to own. Some day I hope to meet you, Some day I know not when, To clasp your hand in a better land, Never to part again. Looking back with tenderness, Along the path we trod, I bless the years I spent with you, And leave the rest to God. There never comes a moment, That I don’t think of you, Or a day that passed, That your face is not in view. And when I’m feeling lonely, And tears come to my eyes, I think of you at peace now, And I know I should not cry. So I try to hide the heartache, As you would want me to, And when I shed a tear, No one knows but you.

–Never forgotten, your loving wife Áine. O’FLYNN (11th anniversary) – In loving memory of Liam O’Flynn, late of Lackendarra, Colligan, Dungarvan, who died on 21st December, 2003. Anniversary Mass will be celebrated on Saturday, 20th December, at 7.30 p.m. in St. Mary’s Church, Touraneena. God called your name so gently, But only you could hear, No one heard the footsteps, Of the Angels drawing near. You left this life so suddenly, We could only wonder why, For the saddest part of all, We never said goodbye.

–Your loving wife Nora, daughter Roisín and son Tomás.

OBSERVER EMAIL ADDRESSES The Dungarvan Observer has updated their email addresses as follows: adverts@dungarvanobserver.ie news@dungarvanobserver.ie sport@dungarvanobserver.ie features@dungarvanobserver.ie info@dungarvanobserver.ie

––––––––––––––– DAD You gave us everything you had, Your time, your love, your care, You never asked for anything, And you were always there. You lived your life unselfishly, With your gently loving ways, And now all we have to treasure, Are the memories of those days.

–Your loving son Seamus and Mags and daughter Éadaoin and son-in-law Paul, XX. ––––––––––––––– GRANDAD Sending all our love, To you in Heaven Grandad, We think about you always, We talk about you still, You haven’t been forgotten Grandad, You know you never will.

–Love always, Abbie XX, Vicki XX and Jamie XX. First Anniversary Mass will be celebrated in the Friary Church on Friday, 19th December, at 10.00 a.m.


Dungarvan Observer | Friday, 19 December, 2014

O In Memoriam C

ADVERTISEMENTS

O Acknowledgement C † NIALL DESMOND O’KENNEDY Newline, Abbeyside, Dungarvan Acknowledgement and First Anniversary 5th September, 1920 – 21st December, 2013

RYAN (4th and 14th anniversaries) – In loving memory of our dear parents Alice and Johnny, late of Knockacoola, Ballymacarbry, Co. Waterford, whose Anniversaries occur at this time. Masses offered. MAM and DAD The dawn breaks gently on these sad days, And bring back memories of yesterday, So soft, so gentle, so loving, so tender, A wonderful Mam and Dad we will always remember. Each hour a leaf may wither, Each hour the sun may set, But the hearts that loved and lost ye, Are the ones that will never forget.

We, the family of the late Niall D. O’Kennedy, would like to express sincere thanks to all those who sympathised with us on our sad bereavement. We are very grateful to those who sent cards, flowers and messages of sympathy and who travelled to attend his Funeral Mass and burial. Our thanks is also extended to Fr. Connie Kelleher who officiated at Niall’s Funeral Mass and to David Kiely and staff of Kiely Funeral Directors for their consideration and professionalism to the O’Kennedy family. We would also like to thank the Doctors that attended Niall during the last few years of his life and the staff of CareChoice Nursing Home for the care and kindness he was shown. Please accept this acknowledgement as a token of our deep appreciation. Anniversary Mass will be celebrated in St. Augustine’s Church, Abbeyside, on Sunday, 11th January, 2015, at 12 noon.

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–Sadly missed and never forgotten by all your family.

† EDDIE STEARS Ballingown West, Villierstown, Cappoquin, Co. Waterford Acknowledgement and First Anniversary

STEARS (1st anniversary) – In loving memory of our father Eddie Stears, late of Ballingown West, Villierstown, Cappoquin, Co. Waterford, who died on 26th December, 2013. A loving father with a heart of gold, The very best this world could hold, Never selfish, always kind, These are the memories you left behind, A silent thought, a quiet prayer, For a special Dad in God’s care.

–Sadly missed by your loving sons David, Peter and Martin; daughters-in-law Julie, Trisha and Joan; grandchildren and great grandchildren, Christeen, extended family, friends and neighbours.

For Quick Results Use the Small Adverts. Section Call our Office or use your Credit or Debit Card by Phone Dungarvan Observer, Shandon, Dungarvan, Co. Waterford. Tel. (058) 41205 / 42042. Fax: (058) 41559.

TROY (2nd anniversary) – In loving memory of Mary Troy (nee Bagge), late of Curragh, Ardmore, who died on 23rd December, 2012. MAM, GRAN Your presence we miss, Your memory we treasure, Loving you for always, Forgetting you never.

–Sadly missed by your loving family. Anniversary Mass will be celebrated on Tuesday, 23rd December, at 10.30 a.m., in St. Declan’s Church, Ardmore.

At this time of Eddie's First Anniversary, his sons David, Peter and Martin; daughters-in-law Julie, Trisha and Joan, and their families and extended relatives of the late Eddie Stears, would like to thank most sincerely all who sympathised with us and supported us on our recent sad bereavement. We thank all who attended the removal, Funeral Mass, service at Crematorium and interment; those who sent Mass cards, letters of sympathy, floral tributes and to those who travelled long distances to be with us. We thank all his kind neighbours and good friends for their support and kindness. A most sincere thanks to the Doctors, Nurses and staff at Waterford General and St. Patrick’s Hospitals for the great care and attention that Eddie received. Special thanks to Rev. Fr. G. O’Connor, P.P., for celebrating the Funeral Mass, service at the Island Crematorium and interment and for his kind words of comfort and support. Many thanks too to the Chapelwoman Queenie; to Dina Walshe for providing a lovely selection of hymns and music for the Mass and the gravediggers. A special word of thanks to Aidan Walsh & Sons, Funeral Directors, for all their support, kindness and professionalism. As it would be impossible to thank everyone individually, we trust that this acknowledgement will be accepted by all as a token of our appreciation and gratitude. The Holy Sacrifice of the Mass has been offered for all your intentions. First Anniversary Mass will be celebrated on Sunday, 28th December, 2014, in the Church Of Assumption, Aglish, at 11.00 a.m.

† Drohan Monumentals † Headstones in Marble, Granite & Limestone Inscriptions Cut Existing Stones Cleaned & Restored Graves Chipped Tel. (058) 43211. Mobile: (087) 2540295. www.drohanfuneraldirectors.ie

DAVID KIELY MONUMENTAL WORKS KILADANGAN, DUNGARVAN Showroom at Kiladangan (near Radley’s Engineering Ltd.) over ONE HUNDRED headstones on display Telephone: (058) 42200. Mobile: (086) 2525663. Fax: (058) 48712. www.davidkielymonumentals.com

HEADSTONES IN LIMESTONE, MARBLE, POLISHED GRANITE We restore existing headstones, kerbs, graves, chipped, inscriptions, etc. FULL RANGE OF COMPUTER OPTIONS + DESIGNS

Distance no problem to us – Member of Guild of Master Craftsmen Ring for appointment: Open Saturday and Sunday

Anne & Rob would like to wish all of our customers a very happy Christmas and a healthy 2015 Health Store • Artisan Foods • Lifestyle 54 Main Street, Dungarvan. Tel./Fax: 058 23901 facebook.com/BlastaWholefoods

James Kiely & Sons Prop. DAVID KIELY David & Margaret, ‘Garrán Mhuire,’ Kiladangan (058) 42200 / (086) 2525663 (Est. 1919) Irish Association of Funeral Directors

Funeral Home Embalming & Cremations Arranged We attend to all the details: Church & Cemetery

Floral & Artificial Wreaths Supplied Obituary Notices

SHANDON STREET & KILADANGAN, DUNGARVAN Phone: David (058) 42200. Mobile: (086) 2525663 Fax (058) 48712. www.kielyfunerals.ie


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CLASSIFIED

Dungarvan Observer | Friday, 19 December, 2014

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SERVICES AVAILABLE

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DRY BLOCKS AND TURF FOR SALE – Blocks cut at 7 inch. Free delivery. Call James (083) 1970643. (26-12) BIG AND SMALL SQUARE BALES OF HAY AND STRAW FOR SALE – Also Big Round Bales of Hay, Straw and Silage. Delivery can be arranged. Noel Blanchfield. Tel. (086) 2539144. (ind.)

Deadline for all adverts is 10.00 a.m. each Tuesday

Telephone: (058) 41205 / 42042 e-mail: adverts@dungarvanobserver.com MUNSTER TRUCK, TRAILER AND BUS SERVICES – Tachograph Calibration and Installation • Speed Limiter Installation and Repair • DOE Preparation • Servicing • Sand Blasting • Spray Painting • Contact: Gerard on 058-68855 or 087-2884113 • www.truckrepairs.ie • info@truckrepairs.ie • Garryduff, Colligan, Dungarvan, Co. Waterford. (ind.) WALL’S CHIMNEY & BOILER SERVICE – Chimney & Boiler Services. Gutters and Drains Unblocked. Contact us on (087) 9931571.

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Tree Surgeon

QUALIFIED TREE SURGEON AVAILABLE – For all aspects of Tree Surgery, Tree Felling, Reductions, Wood-chipping, Hedge Cutting. Contact your local professional Fergal Colbert at (087) 7933481. FULL PUBLIC AND EMPLOYERS LIABILITY INSURANCE. (31-12)

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Gardening Services

COMERAGH LANDSCAPING – The landscaping professionals. Garden design and layout. Planting, water features, patios, stonework, kerbing, fencing, etc. Lawn laying turfed and seeded. For a professional and affordable service contact Paul Curran (087) 2908403. www.comeraghlandscaping.ie (ind.)

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Tree Felling

HEALY TREE FELLING AND LANDSCAPING – Fully insured and certified. Specialising in tree felling, tree pruning and reducing, chipping and removal, landscaping and garden construction including grass and hedge cutting, lawn laying, gravel gardens, paving, decking and fencing Contact: Eamonn (085) 7784335. (9-1)

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Animal Houses

TIMBER BUILT ANIMAL HOUSES – Dog Kennels / House, Chicken Coups, Rabbit Hutches, Bird Houses. Orders now being taken for Christmas. Tel. Michael (087) 6793961. (19-12)

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Decorating Service

DECORATING SERVICE – All internal / external painting. New house spraying before second fix. Tired old kitchen units hand-painted, hygiene coatings. Epoxy floor paint systems. Qualified local tradesmen. Free estimates. Insurance work. Fully insured. VAT registered. Call: Prodec Painters. Padraig (087) 7730520. Steve (086) 8410901. (31-12)

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Computer Services

COMPUTER AND LAPTOP REPAIRS – On Site Repairs, Set-ups, Upgrades, Data Recovery and Training. Virus and pop-up removal. Qualified computer Engineer and Trainer. 20 years experience. Reasonable rates. Tel. Shane Deevy (087) 9872006. (ind.) COMPUTER SERVICES – Laptop-PC Repairs, Screen Replacement, Virus-Spyware Removal, Pop-up Removal, Data Recovery, Network Installation, Speeding up your PC, Server Set-up (Linux, WIN), Secondhand PC/Laptop, Trade-ins, IT Service contracts for Businesses and Schools. Call: Thomas or Brian (086) 8606709 / info@technoelectronic.com / www.technoelectronic.com (16-1)

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Tarmacadam

TARMACADAM & TAR & CHIPPINGS – Drainage and Kerbing. Michael Fennell, Stradbally, (086) 8342233 / (051) 293943. (6-3)

MURRAY’S ROOFING DUNGARVAN – Re-roofing specialists. Slate/Tile • flatroofs • guttering/downpipes • chimney work • chimney cowls • ridge tiles • lead flashing lead valleys • supply fit roof velux windows • UPVC fascias/soffits • insurance work under-taken • all work holds a full written guarantee • all areas covered • For a free written quotation and emergency work call Paul on (058) 43992, mobile (086) 2109547. (ind.)

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Re-Upholstery

RE-UPHOLSTERY CARPETS, CURTAINS, FURNITURE – Free estimates in your own home. Collection and delivery. Sofas and Couches made to order. Curtains and Pelmets made to measure. Extensive range of fabrics to choose from. Colour co-ordinating service free in Showrooms. A visit to our Showrooms is a must. Open Monday to Saturday incl. All work guaranteed. Ned O’Connell, Seafield, Youghal. Tel. (024) 93106.

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Irene’s Ironing

IRENE’S IRONING SERVICE – €25 per black bag full. Free collection and delivery in Dungarvan area. Tel. (085) 7780815. (19-12)

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Soccer Coaching

SOCCER COACHING – Vinny Sullivan runs Just4Strikers Soccer Coaching School in Dungarvan every Sunday morning for Boys and Girls aged between 6–14 years old. For more information call Vinny on (087) 7501059. (19-12)

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Supervised Study

DÉISE COLLEGE C H R I S T M A S SUPERVISED STUDY – From Monday, 29th December, to Saturday, 3rd January. Essential for JC & LC students looking to perform next June. Flexible times / strictly supervised / comfortable environment conducive to getting solid work done over the holiday period. Phone: Alan on (058) 48623. (19-12)

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Home Carer

HOME CARER AVAILABLE – With many years experience. Excellent references available. Own transport. Tel. Margaret (087) 9438195. (19-12)

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Heating & Plumbing

JOHN SEWARD HEATING & PLUMBING, Grange, Ardmore. Tel. (087) 9639544 – For all your Heating and Plumbing needs. Including Boiler Service, Stove Installation and Central Heating upgrades. Bathroom Renovations. (19-12)

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Agri Sale

GALVANISED GATES – Barriers, Cubicles, Cattle Crush Panels, Cow Mats. Ryan Brothers, Ballymacarbry / www.ryanbrothers.ie / Laurence (087) 7994737. (6-15)

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LARGE CAR TRAILER LOAD OF DRY FIREWOOD FOR SALE – Tel. (089) 4727268. (19-12)

STAIRS CUSTOM JOINERY 087 2420124

CERTIFIED HOMEGUARD AND BRITISH QUEEN SEED POTATOES – Also Golden Wonder and Kerrs Pink Eating Potatoes for sale. Tel. (087) 7888701. (9-1)

(ind.)

Déise College

DÉISE COLLEGE HAVE PLACES AVAILABLE IN THE FOLLOWING GRINDS – 5HL Chem; 6HL Maths; 3HL Irish; 3HL Bus Studies. Excellent teachers with vast teaching experience and proven results. Phone: Alan (058) 48623. (19-12)

4X4 ROUND BALES OF HAYLAGE FOR SALE – Aglish. Must be collected. Tel. (087) 2226046.(26-12)

Exciting News from

Check out our new menus online at www.crews.ie www.crews.ie Now open Wednesday to Saturday for lunch 12 noon – 3.00 p.m. Dinner from 5.30 p.m. Open Sunday from 12.30 – 9.00 p.m. Contact (058) 23422 or info@crews.ie (30-1)

Carpet Cleaning

CAR INTERIOR CLEANING – General House Cleaning. Garden Cleaning, Trees and Shrubs, Cutting, Ironing. Contact: (087) 6854522. (26-12)

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Villierstown Joinery

ROUND BALES OF SILAGE FOR SALE – Good quality. Will deliver. Contact: (086) 8687604. (25-12) ASH AND OAK FIREWOOD BLOCKS FOR SALE – Delivered. Tel. (087) 7888701. (9-1) FARM FRESH TURKEYS FOR SALE – Bronze and white. Oven ready. For collection on 23rd December. Ardmore area. Tel. (087) 9613908. FIREWOOD FOR SALE – Hardwood, cut and split. Delivered on 7x4 ft. Trailer. Only €80. Tel. Tom (086) 7928363. (26-12)

Youghal, Co. Cork. Tel. (024) 92850 / 93469 blackwaterblindsltd@eircom.net

HUGE SAVINGS CALL TODAY FULL RANGE OF QUALITY BLINDS, CURTAINS AND ACCESSORIES

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Baby Massage

BABY MASSAGE CLASSES at The Sea House, Friars Walk, Abbeyside, Dungarvan – Every Tuesday 10–11 a.m. For 0–1 year old Babies or learn it during your Pregnancy in advance. A Gift Certificate is available. Contact: Andrea (089) 4723414. (16-1)

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SHERRY FITZGERALD REYNOLDS LETTINGS – Urgently require Houses and Apartments TO LET in all areas of Dungarvan and West Waterford. Please contact Gerardine Reynolds on 087 2458848 / 058 23444. (ind.) 2 BED HOUSE TO LET IN CAPPAGH – Fully furnished. Available immediately. Tel. (086) 8890671. 30 ACRES OF GOOD GRAZING LAND TO LET – Prime location with Crush and Yard. Cappagh. Modeligo area. Box No. 5474. (19-12) THREE BEDROOMED SEMI-DETACHED HOUSE TO LET – In Town Court, Dungarvan. All mod cons. No R/A. Tel. (086) 0864580.

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DEAD & DISABLED CATTLE COLLECTED IN ALL AREAS – Ring: Fitzgerald’s Licensed Knackery, Coolagown. (025) 36662 or (086) 8193202 / (087) 8193202. (ind.)

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Donations Welcome

THE SUNFLOWER SHOP – Supporting Waterford Hospice City & County – Welcomes donations of Clothes, Brica-Brac, Furniture and Toys, etc., in good condition. We also recycle Old Clothes / Linen. House Clearances welcome. Happy to collect. Call HELEN. We are located at Main Street, Kilmacthomas. Tel. (087) 2756576. (26-12)

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W O R R I E D ? D I S T R E S S E D ? SUICIDAL? – Whatever you're going through, we're here to listen and help, 24 hours a day, every day. Call SAMARITANS in confidence 1850 60 90 90, or e-mail us jo@samaritans.org (ind.)

Quotes, Measurements & Fitting Free of Charge You’ll be “BLINDED” by our SPECIAL PRICES & SERVICES

DON’T DELAY! CALL TODAY ON 024 92850/93469

BEREAVEMENT Support and help available Service – Free & Confidential Tel. 058-46100 www.westwaterfordbereavement.org

Notice to Advertisers It is a condition of acceptance of advertisements orders that the proprietors do not guarantee the insertion of any particular advertisement on a special date or at all. Although every effort will be made to meet the wishes of the advertisers; further they do not accept liability for any loss or damage caused by an error or inaccurracy in the printing of any advertisement. They reserve the right to refuse or alter any advertisement, no matter by whom or where accepted for publication; also to discontinue the publication of any advertisements previously published. Advertisements paid or otherwise are therefore accepted only subject to the above conditions. The advertiser undertakes to indemnify the proprietors against all liability for any civil action arising out of publication of the advertisement. (ind.)


ADVERTISEMENTS

Dungarvan Observer | Friday, 19 December, 2014

O Situations Vacant C EXPERIENCED CHILDMINDER REQUIRED – From January 2015. To mind three children in their own home. Lismore area. Four days per week. Car essential. Tel. (086) 3362044. (19-12) EXPERIENCED CHILDMINDER REQUIRED FROM MARCH 2015 – To mind one child in their own home. Abbeyside / Dungarvan area. Tel. (087) 9205092.

CHILDMINDER REQUIRED

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CORBETT CONCRETE PRODUCTS LTD. Manufacturers of Precast Concrete Flooring Widespan for Houses, etc. SUPPLIERS OF SEWAGE TREATMENT SYSTEM

Clearfell and Regeneration Plans 2015 Coillte plans to carry out clearfells in the following townlands / properties during 2015. Regeneration plans including landscape design where appropriate have been prepared for these areas.

Experienced person required for 2/3 days per week to care for two school going children in their own home. Commencing January. References essential. Lismore area.

Moonareha, Cahir, Co. Tipperary. Phone: (052) 7441590

Interested parties who wish to view these plans may make an appointment by contacting:-

QUAN BUTLER 087-2525327

Contact 086 2618383

Rep. for South

Mary Leahy, Coillte, Corrin Wood, Fermoy, Co. Cork. Tel. 025 – 45044 or e-mail mary.leahy@coillte.ie Carrowgarriff, Dromana, Mountstuart, Molalummery, Monameenan, Moyng, Gorteen, Liskeelty, Coolatoor, Carronadavderg, Tooranahareen, Glennafalia, Scart, Moneygorm, Boremountain, Knockadav, Dunmoon, Kilcalf, Carranaskehy, Lyrenacarriga, Carnglass.

Artic Lorry Driver Wanted DUNGARVAN AREA Clean Licence Contact: Noel (087) 2546860

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Notice

TEMPORARY CLOSING OF ROADS SECTION 75 ROADS ACT 1993 Waterford Grouped Towns & Villages Sewerage Scheme (WGTVSS) Contract Nr. 8 WWTP DBO Stradbally Road Closure Stradbally Notice is hereby given that Waterford City & County Council, will extend the existing closure of the following road from 5th January, 2015, to the 25th January, 2015, to facilitate the completion of essential site works. Road to be Closed: County Road L-3030 between Ballyvooney Bridge and Stradbally More Alternative Routes Traffic travelling along County Road L-3031 towards County Road L-3030 to be diverted to Stradbally Village via County Road L-3203 and on to County Road L-3030 from the West. Traffic travelling from Stradbally Village toward County Road L-3030 to be diverted along County Road L-3203 and County Road L-3031 to join County Road L-3030 from the eastern side. Local Access will be accommodated throughout the period of the works. Paul Daly, Acting Director of Services, Roads, Human Resources & Emergency Services. 17th December, 2014.

The person who doesn’t advertise knows what they’re doing – but no one else does! Call … 058-41205/42042 e-mail: adverts@dungarvanobserver.ie

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Bridge

ABBEY BRIDGE CLUB (9/12/2014) – 1st Cait Christopher & Sheila Veale; 2nd Mary Mitchell & Walter Murphy; 3rd Mary Fenton & Lorraine Vart; 4th Ann Stack & Declan O'Keeffe. KILMACTHOMAS BRIDGE CLUB (Christmas Party 10/12/2014) – 1st Tess Cusack & Maria Kiersey; 2nd Anne Marie Browne & Elayne Kirwan; 3rd Breda O'Sullivan & Mary A. Coffey; 4th Margaret Flynn & Brenda Cummins; 5th Breeda Murphy & Catherine Power; 6th Michael Harney & Fiona Russell; 7th Claire Shanahan & Bertha O'Connor. HARBOUR BRIDGE CLUB (Christmas Party: 11/12/2014) – 1st Nellie Moloney & Patricia Foley; 2nd Nuala Condon & Sheila Towey; 3rd Gabriel Mullins & Lorraine Vart; 4th Anne M. Fitzgerald & Maureen Ryan; 5th Anne Fitzgerald & Pat Harrington; 6th Declan O’Keeffe & Patricia Murray. CUNNIGAR BRIDGE CLUB (10/12/2014) – 1st Marie Fahey & Bridget O’Shea; 2nd Kay Kirwan & Betty Prendergast; 3rd Joan Ronayne & Sheila Lane; 4th Cait Christopher & Angela Freyne; 5th Walter Murphy & Brian O’Brien. DUNGARVAN BRIDGE CLUB (11/12/2014) – 1st Kay Barry & Tom Prendergast; 2nd Marianne Mulcahy & Tom Mulcahy; 3rd Nuala O'Donovan & Michael Kirwan; 4th Colin Carthy & Mary Mitchell.

O C Planning Permission WATERFORD CITY AND COUNTY COUNCIL – I, Eddie O’Brien, intend to apply for permission and retention permission for the construction of a two-storey, three bedroom dwelling house fronting Cook Street adjoining No. 2 Cuil na Circe (PD Ref No. 04/2038) and all ancillary services and associated site works and also retention permission to retain indefinitely existing footings foundations and floor slabs at Cook St., Cappoquin, Co. Waterford. The planning application may be inspected, or purchased at a fee not exceeding the reasonable cost of making a copy, at the offices of the Planning Authority (Menapia Building, The Mall, Waterford), during its public opening hours (9.30 a.m. to 1.00 p.m. and .00 p.m. to 4.00 p.m.). A submission or observation in relation to the application may be made in writing to the Planning Authority on payment of the prescribed fee (€20) within the period of 5 weeks beginning on the date of receipt by the Authority of the application. WATERFORD CITY AND COUNTY COUNCIL – Permission is sought by Kenneth Hennessy Architects Ltd. on behalf of our client the Board of Management, Ballymacarbry National School, for the following development at Ballymacarbry National School, Clogheen, Ballymacarbry: (a) Construction of a single-storey extension comprising a Classroom, Resource Room and ancillary facilities to the side / rear of the existing building. (b) Alterations and extension of existing Classroom. (c) Alterations to existing elevations and roof. (d) Associated site development works. (e) Temporary vehicular entrance from regional road R671 for construction traffic. The planning application may be inspected, or purchased at a fee not exceeding the reasonable cost of making a copy, at the offices of the Planning Authority (Menapia Building, The Mall, Waterford), during its public opening hours (9.30 a.m. to 1.00 p.m. and 2.00 p.m. to 4.00 p.m.). A submission or observation in relation to the application may be made in writing to the Planning Authority on payment of the prescribed fee (€20) within the period of 5 weeks beginning on the date of receipt by the authority of the application. The Planning Authority may grant permission subject to or without conditions, or may refuse to grant permission. WATERFORD COUNTY COUNCIL – Tom and Bernadette Murphy are applying for permission for change of use of existing office accommodation (granted under planning ref PL 21/05) to a residential town house unit at 8B Coady’s Quay, Dungarvan, Co. Waterford. The planning application may be inspected or purchased at a fee not exceeding the reasonable cost of making a copy, at the offices of the Planning Authority, Menapia Building, The Mall, Waterford, during its public opening hours, i.e. 9.30 a.m. to 1.00 p.m and 2.00 p.m. to 4,00 p.m. Monday to Friday (excluding public holidays). A submission or observation in relation to the application may be made in writing to the Planning Authority on payment of the prescribed fee (€20) within the period of 5 weeks beginning on the date of receipt by the Authority of the application, and such submissions and observations will be considered by the Planning Authority in making a decision on the application. The Planning Authority may grant permission subject to or without conditions or may refuse to grant permission. WATERFORD CITY AND COUNTY COUNCIL – I, Seamus Kirwan, intend to apply for permission to remove an existing open slurry tank and replace with a slatted tank, cubicle shed and associated site works at Kilcanavee, Kilmacthomas, Co. Waterford. The planning application may be inspected, or purchased at a fee not exceeding the reasonable cost of making a copy, at the offices of the Planning Authority (Menapia Building, The Mall, Waterford), during its public opening hours (9.30 a.m. to 1.00 p.m. and 2.00 p.m. to 4.00 p.m.). A submission or observation in relation to the application may be made in writing to the Planning Authority on payment of the perscribed fee (€20) within the period of 5 weeks beginning on the date of receipt by the Authority of the application.


ABBEYSIDE CHRISTMAS FAIR

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Dungarvan Observer | Friday, 19 December, 2014

Pictured at the Abbeyside Christmas Fair were Ava Drummey and Nora Looby. [Sean Byrne//Deise Media]

Pictured at the Abbeyside Christmas Fair were Louise Hanrahan, Jim Conroy, Charmian O’Brien-Tutty, Tom Keith and Richie Moore. [Sean Byrne//Deise Media]

Pictured at the Abbeyside Christmas Fair were Robin, Majella, Cata, Patrick, Tiernan and Simon Power. [Sean Byrne//Deise Media]

Conor, Barbara, Sarah and Ciara Clancy with Elf Kieran Frisby.

[Sean Byrne//Deise Media]

Pictured at the Abbeyside Christmas Fair were the Connors Family. [Sean Byrne//Deise Media] Pictured at the Abbeyside Christmas Fair were Guste Asakaviciute and Dani Cunningham. [Sean Byrne//Deise Media]

Pictured at the Abbeyside Christmas Fair were Ray McAndrew, Damien Geoghegan and Fr. Ned Hassett. [Sean Byrne//Deise Media]

Annabel Allenden and Jessica Ryan. Pictured at the Abbeyside Christmas Fair were James Moore, Sarah and Conor Flynn, Elf Kieran Frisby, [Sean Byrne//Deise Media] Donald Duck and the Cookie Monster.

Keane Murphy. Samantha Mulclaire and Taylor McGovern.

[Sean Byrne//Deise Media]

[Sean Byrne//Deise Media]

[Sean Byrne//Deise Media]

Pictured at the Abbeyside Christmas Fair were Jenny Beresford, Izzy and Leo Cunnage, Charmian Tutty, Sam and Killee Blake and Alison Fennell. [Sean Byrne//Deise Media] Michael and Lilly Brett.

[Sean Byrne//Deise Media]

Kye Murphy. [Sean Byrne//Deise Media]

Face painting at the Abbeyside Christmas Fair. Aoife and Clodagh Lattimore.

[Sean Byrne//Deise Media]

[Sean Byrne//Deise Media]

Oisin Dunne. [Sean Byrne//Deise Media]

Pictured at the Abbeyside Christmas Fair were Ballinroad Choir.

[Sean Byrne//Deise Media]

Pictured at the Abbeyside Christmas Fair were Santa Claus with Cookie Monster, Donald Duck Elf and [Sean Byrne//Deise Media] One Happy Child.

Pictured at the Abbeyside Christmas Fair were Bobby Walsh, Kara and Luke Power with Donal Duck and the Cookie Monster. [Sean Byrne//Deise Media]


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COUNTY NEWS

Dungarvan Observer | Friday, 19 December, 2014

Bonmahon

NEWSREEL … Anxious or Depressed?

COME to our Support Group Meeting in Dungarvan. Venue: Deise Day Care, Dungarvan, Community Centre, Mitchel Street. Date: Every Tuesday at 8.00 p.m. Helpline: 1890 303 302.You are not alone! (ind.)

Ballinvella Community Centre CHRISTMAS Party - Sunday, 28th December at 8.30 p.m. All are welcome.

Deise Day Care Centre DEISE Day Care Centre, Mitchel Street Dungarvan, Committee, Management & Staff would like to thank all our volunteers and the many people who made donations to the Centre for your valuable help and support during 2014. We wish you and your family a very happy Christmas and prosperous New Year. Volunteers are unpaid not because they are worthless, but because they are priceless.

St. Michael’s Hall, Ballyduff Upper Card Results 10/12/’14 – 1st Pat O’Connor & Sham Denn; 2nd Lizzie Keane & Helen Cunningham; Mary Fitzgerald & John Hannon; Mary Byrnes & Helen Walsh. Lucky Tables: Hugh Geary & Pat Noonan; Tommy Byrnes & Finbar Higgins; Marie Heskin & Mary Fitzgerald; Bill Leddy & Helen O’Keeffe. Raffle: Finbar Higgins, Mary Fitzgerald, Aaron Pratt, Delia Cashell, Mary Fennessy, Hugh Collins, Sham Denn, Bill Leddy, Eddie Byrnes, Pat Noonan, Rita Leamy and Hugh Geary.

Irish Red Cross Portlaw Branch WELL done to all our responders who participated in essential scenario training earlier this week. Let’s hope the practised skills won’t be needed over the Christmas period, but it is reassuring to know that we have such dedicated responders who are prepared and highly trained. Well done and thank you to all for giving up your time in any weather condition and during this busy time of the year. If you have any queries about courses, joining us, our Cardiac First Response Groups or the 3 public access defibrillators, please contact us on 087-6646824. We would like to wish all our members and the entire community a very merry and safe Christmas and a happy New Year. We will be back after our break in January with various courses, our AGM on the 19th January and our big annual Presentation Night on the 26th January.

A New Book Just Published – The Déise Divided (a history of the Waterford Brigade IRA and the Civil War) THIS is a companion volume to the previously issued CRY OF THE CURLEW (A History of the Déise Brigade IRA in the War of Independence) and covers the events of the Civil War in the County and City of Waterford during 1922 -1923. There are also some notes on the men’s lives in the aftermath of the “Cease Fire”. The author, of both books, is Tommy Mooney of Ardmore, who has researched the material over several years. There are a number of, previously unpublished, photos included, of people who were closely associated with the Republican movement in the nineteen twenties in the Déise. Available in local outlets in Dungarvan,Youghal and Ardmore before Christmas.

Sophia Shanahan pictured with Bob The Builder at Dungarvan Shopping Centre’s 10th Birthday. [Richard Cutbill]

Kill CHRISTMAS MASS TIMES Please take note of the mass times in the parish for the Christmas period as follows: Christmas Eve, Wednesday 24th: Saleen 6.00 p.m., Kilmacthomas 6.30 p.m., Kill 9.00 p.m., Newtown 9.00 p.m. Christmas Day, Thursday 25th: Kilmacthomas 10.00 a.m., Kill 10.00 a.m., Newtown 11.30 a.m. St. Stephen’s Day, Friday 26th: Kill 11.00 a.m., Kilmacthomas 11.00 a.m., no mass in Newtown KILL NATIONAL SCHOOL AND PARENTS’ ASSOCIATION We would like to say a big thank you to all who came along to our cake sale and craft fair on Friday last and of course to all who donated all those treats – there was a huge choice of cakes, buns, cookies and more. The children’s Christmas Crafts looked stunning and are now decorating many homes in the locality. The Parents’ Association would like to thank you all for your support. To round off the year 2014, our older pupils are now looking forward to their trip to Winterval. A great day is in store for them, watch this space for the full report! CHRISTMAS WISHES As local correspondent, I would like to wish everybody in the community a very, very happy Christmas and a New Year that brings you all joy. I would also like to take this opportunity to say a big thank you to all who helped me along and contributed during the past years in getting the notes together for this column – there would be no column without your contributions! If there is anything you would like to see in either the Kill or Bonmahon notes, please contact me on 087-4133522 or email to mareikerembold@eircom.net. Thank you. Best wishes for the festive period, Mareike CHRISTMAS TEENAGE DISCO It has arrived! Our big Christmas Disco

will finally take place this Friday at 9.00 p.m. in Kill Community Centre – the biggest and best ever! Don’t miss the celebrations and meeting up with all your friends before the holidays. Great prizes are in store on the night! Doors open at 9.00 p.m., Admission €10, strictly no alcohol. LONG PUCK A great opportunity to get out and about after Christmas and meet up with friends – it’s the Kill GAA Long Puck on Saturday, 27th December at 1.30 p.m. at Kirwan’s Bar.This year will see a few changes, including a new, lower entry fee for teams of 3 at €10 per adult and €5 for juveniles. As always, we will provide a pit stop for a chat and a hot drink at the half way mark. Come and join us for what is always a great day out. KILL CARDIAC FIRST RESPONSE GROUP Well done to all the Cardiac First Responders who participated in this week’s scenario training despite the cold weather. We are delighted to see that we have such dedicated members who take the time out to keep their skills updated and refreshed to be prepared for any emergency that may arise. For any queries, please contact us on 087-6646824. We would like to wish the entire community a wonderful, safe and healthy Christmas and a very happy New Year. MICHAEL POWER MEMORIAL SWIM The committee of the Michael Power Memorial Christmas Day Swim would like to wish all swimmers and supporters a very merry Christmas and a happy New Year.We are looking forward to seeing you all on Christmas Day. Don’t forget, we always start on time, so make sure to arrive early to be ready for the plunge at 12.00 noon. If you haven’t got a sponsorship card but you’d like a dip all the same, we will have buckets at Kilmurrin Cove on the day for anyone who would like to give.

NEWS FROM KNOCKMAHON NS Thank you to all who came along to our Bake Sale and raffle draw. All the cakes and buns sold out within a half hour - a great success, well done boys and girls. Fundraising money will go towards an outing to Winterval....Waterford here we come! Congratulations to our raffle prize winners - John & Breda Power, Pamela Fitzgerald, Lynda McDonald, Niall McCann, Katherine Walsh, Siobhán Sarsfield, Craig Taylor, Sinéad MacAodha, June Kavanagh, Geno Kavanagh, Bernadette McCann, Martin Sheils and Fr. Keogh. Many thanks for your support and to all who supported us. A big thank you to Orlaith from Hamersley Art who is showing the children how to create wonderful Christmas presents using every day materials. The children are amazed at what can be achieved from a simple item such as a jam jar and are thoroughly enjoying working with Orlaith. Our nativity play is on Thursday, 18th December at 1.00 p.m. is Saleen Church - all are very welcome to come along. Our 2015 calendar is currently on sale in Kilmacthomas Post Office or from the school. Thank you to all our sponsors for their support. HAMERSLEY ART I'm delighted to confirm that my "Working Hands" exhibition in the The Index Gallery,Waterford City Library will now run until January 3rd, 2015, admission is free so please pop in and have a look. BONMAHON COMMUNITY SOCIETY LOTTO We had no winning numbers for our jackpot last week, the numbers drawn were 9, 15, 16 and 20. Four lucky dips went to Lauren Wall, Stephen Veale, Anne Whelan and Ann Mooney. Congratulations to Ann Whelan who was last week’s winner of a Turkey & Ham voucher. NEWS FROM THE ART HAND We would like to wish all our students and friends a very merry Christmas and a happy New Year. Enjoy the break, we are looking forward to seeing you all again in the New Year! COPPER COAST CALENDAR If you have any events, news or just stunning pictures of our beautiful Copper Coast, please visit us on our Facebook page – we are all about promoting the local area, not just its landscape but also the vibrant communities and unique characters while keeping each other posted over upcoming events at which we can support each other! We have been in existence for over a year now and are delighted that our network is growing at a steady pace. Thank you all who contributed in any way, shape or form, especially those who took on the roles of administrators over the year!

Abbeyside Scouts WE started our meeting as usual with the Scout Prayer and subs. We then started in to the Great Egg Drop challenge! Using a selection of make and do type materials the scouts had a design a means of containing and dropping an egg to the floor from eight feet, without breaking it. The final score was 1 success, 1 crack, 2 broken. A fun activity with much hilarity and some cleaning up. At the request of a few parents the list of standard uniform items for a scout is as follows: neckerchief and woggle, uniform shirt, trousers and belt, white lanyard and black shoes. Scouting Ireland jackets and Abbeyside caps are optional. Uniform items can be bought online at the scout shop on www.thescoutshop.ie. We have now distributed the recycle uniform items we had (at a cost of €5 each for trousers and shirts) and would welcome any other recycle items from scouts who have left or grown out

of them as a way to reduce costs for other scouts (a full uniform costs about €70 so if ordering order big to allow for growth). The County Fun Weekend in Mount Melleray will be on the 23rd-25th January, and the theme this year as selected by the scouts at the youth forum meeting is *drum roll* - James Bond. More news on this in the New Year. Well done to Honey Monster, Elf and Donald Duck (you know who you are) who participated in the Abbeyside Traders Christmas celebration last Saturday. And well done Jack H. who is attending the County Venture Forum this weekend in Kilkenny. The 2015 County Challenge panel will be announced next week at parents night, along with a raft of other information and presentations including the location of Annual Camp 2015.We hope to see a parent with every scout in the group on the night.


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Kilrossanty

Big Fireman Sam meets Little Fireman Sam, namely James Foley at Dungarvan Shopping Centre’s 10th Birthday. [Richard Cutbill]

PENITENTIAL SERVICE There will be a Penitential Service on Wednesday, 17th December at 7.30 p.m. in Kilrossanty Church. S.V.P. Bill Brennan’s car wash in Fews on Saturday, 20th December from 9.00 a.m. to 5.00 p.m. All proceeds to Vincent de Paul Society. COLLECTION The annual collection for the clergy is now being taken up. Please find the appropiate envelope in your pack. Thank you for your support. ICA The monthly meeting was held last Monday night. It was well attended. Our guest speaker was Colette from Blathanna, The Square, Portlaw. She demonstrated two flower arrangements which were beautiful for the Christmas season. Thanks Colette for donating them to the raffle on the night. Results of the Christmas Draw: 1st Prize - Large hamper went to Ollie and Oscar Organ c/o Liz

O’Riordan; 2nd Prize - €50 Voucher for Comeragh Mountain Lamb went to Mary Mulhearne, Furraleigh; 3rd Prize Voucher for ham went to Ann Phelan, Commeen; 4th Prize - Bottle of whiskey went to Hayleigh Phelan, Commeen; 5th Prize Fruit hamper went to Claire Whyte, Cutteen; 6th Prize - Biscuits and sweets went to Kathleen Fieldhouse, Ashtown. Thanks to all who sold tickets and also to the sponsors who donated items for the draw. Well done to Molly Casey who won the best Christmas card at the Federation meeting recently and received Baumann Cup. Molly also competed in the gem pack competition recently at An Grianan. All present on the night received raffle prizes again thanks to members who donated items for it. A lovely party was held afterwards after the meeting with lots of goodies for all. We will be having our dinner on 6th February. More details at a later date. No meeting in January so

happy Christmas to all members and their families. DEISE DRAW The last draw of the series will be held next Monday night, 22nd December in De La Salle GAA club. Money and outstanding money to be paid before the draw. Meeting of co-ordinators and members of the Deise Draw will be held on 6th January to discuss next years Deise Draw. This will be held in Crotty’s Inn. More details later. CLOTTO Congratulations to Kirstie and Katie Lennon who scooped the Clotto last Sunday night. €15,500. A nice Christmas present for the two girls. DEATH Sympathy to Una Dwyer and her family, The Grove, Abbeyside on the death of her husband Paddy, who died last week. Una was teacher in Kilrossanty and Fews for many years. May he rest in peace.

Abbeyside, Ballinroad and Garranbane Christmas Ceremonies THE Parish Penance/Reconciliation Service will take place on this Thursday night, 18th December in Abbeyside Church at 7.30 p.m. Christmas Eve Masses: Garranbane 7.00 p.m., Ballinroad 8.00 p.m., Abbeyside 9.00 p.m. Christmas Morning Masses: Abbeyside 9.30 a.m., Ballinroad 10.00 a.m., Garranbane 11.00 a.m., Abbeyside 12.00 p.m.

Candlelit Carol Service CANDLELIT Carol Service on Monday, 22nd December, at 6.00 p.m., in St. Mary's Church of Ireland, Dungarvan, Co. Waterford. All most welcome to this beautiful service of reading and carols. Memory Tree for you to remember a loved one. Sherry and Mince Pies served after the service.

St. Mary’s Church of Ireland, Dungarvan SERVICE of Holy Communion on Sunday, 21st December, at 9.00 a.m. Candlelit Carol Service on Monday, 22nd December, at 6.00 p.m. Service of Holy Communion on Christmas Day at 9.00 a.m. All faiths most welcome to any of these services. We would like to wish our parishioners, supporters of the tea rooms, graveyard volunteers,TUS workers and knitting group a very peaceful and Merry Christmas. Contact Numbers: Dean Paul Draper 058 54105. Churchwardens: Jenny Cashin (058) 41230; Ria Drohan (087) 2257983. Please note all graveyard enquiries must be referred to the Dean and Churchwardens.

Curtain Call Productions Dungarvan Introducing the cast of Steel Magnolias THE results are in! Firstly, thank you to all who auditioned last Tuesday night for a part in Steel Magnolias. The abundance of talent was astounding and it's just a shame that there aren't more parts. In fact, such was the turnout and the talent, that we could have cast this play twice if not three times over. But Director Mary Kelly has made the tough decisions and the following lovely ladies will be gracing the stage, or should I say Truvy's Hair & Beauty Salon in Chinquapin next March: Truvy: Caroline O'Toole Annelle: Sharon O'Sullivan M'Lynn: Vanessa Leary Hyde Shelby: Aoife O'Mahony Clairee: Emma Walsh Ouiser: Mary Nagle Congratulations ladies!! It’s going to be great fun! And of course, you have all of Christmas now to learn your lines!! We’ll be introducing you all to the cast individually over the course of the next few months… watch this space! Some of these ladies are relatively

new to the Dungarvan drama scene, so we’re delighted and excited to have them on board and looking forward to watching them bloom in their roles! Mary Kelly is a true stalwart of the drama scene in Dungarvan, having been a member first of Dungarvan Musical & Choral Society and then Dungarvan Dramatic Club for many years. Mary has extensive experience both on stage and in the Director’s chair and in April 2014, she founded Curtain Call Productions Dungarvan with Fidelma Meaney. And welcome aboard also to Assistant Director Kris Cowming, who will be assisting Mary Kelly and learning the ropes on this production. Kris is familiar to Dungarvan audiences from his fantastic performances on stage, most recently as RP McMurphy in One Flew Over the Cuckoo’s Nest, but he has always had a yearning to direct a play himself, so working with the fabulously talented and experi-

enced Mary Kelly and learning from the best will certainly help him take that first step in that direction. That’s what Curtain Call Productions Dungarvan is all about – giving people a chance to develop their skills and talents. Best of luck to Mary, Kris and all the cast & crew of Steel Magnolias! LAUNCH OF DEISE AID ’14 CHARITY CD SATURDAY, 20th DECEMBER IN THE MOORINGS Curtain Call is delighted to be behind this wonderful initiative, the brainchild of Kris Cowming, to record “Do They Know it’s Christmas” to raise funds for Pieta House, Waterford and Our Lady’s Children’s Hospital, Crumlin. After a brilliant rehearsal with Musical Director John Stack last Wednesday night, the recording took place in Claycastle Recording Studio in Youghal last Saturday, and what a fantastic day it was, full of energy and good spirits. The CD will be launched on Saturday, 20th December in The Moorings, Dungarvan. All are welcome! The KJB (with Kris Cowming and John Stack) will be playing

there that night, so a great night is in store. And at just €5 and featuring an array of vocal talent from around the area, as well as fabulous festive cover images by Marc Daly, this CD is a must-buy this Christmas. Thank you to the various local businesses who have kindly offered to stock and sell the CD.We hope you all buy a copy, it’s for two very worthy causes close to the hearts of many in our community. And if anyone would like to make a separate donation or offer to sell the CD on our behalf, please contact us on 087-3812028, message us on facebook.com/ CCPDungarvan or email us on ccpdungarvan@hotmail.com. LOCAL ARTS GROUPS SUPPORTING EACH OTHER Dungarvan Encore Stage Academy kicked off the festive season here in Dungarvan in fine style with their third annual Christmas panto, Aladdin, produced by Aileen Hogan and directed by Vicki Graham.The talent on stage from age 5 upwards was fantastic, with many gracing the stage for the first time and clearly loving it! And what a night’s entertain-

ment they gave us! This had it all – from the warm welcome on arrival to Maurice Butler’s lovely interval treats; the theatrical antics on stage to the hilarious guest appearances by some well-known local faces; the fabulous costumes, the wonderful dance routines and the fantastic vocals.Well done to one and all! We’d like to say a huge “Break a Leg” to Edgar & Jessie Kirby and all the wonderful kids and adult performers in Kirby School of Performing Arts for their Christmas Extravaganza, which takes place in St. Mary’s Primary School Hall on December 20th at 7.30 p.m. This will be an amazing showcase of song, dance and drama. Tickets can be bought in Nude Food (who are also putting on a special pre-show Festive Titbit menu on the night) or call 087-1508928 to book – Children under 4 are free. We understand that although Santa is busy back in the North Pole getting all the presents ready for Christmas Eve, Mrs. Claus will be taking a short break from baking all the mince pies to come and meet everyone there. Break a leg guys! And we’d like to express

our gratitude to the Déise Singers for their kind words in the papers last week about One Flew Over the Cuckoo’s Nest and our upcoming production. It’s really heartening to see other groups involved in the performing arts in the area supporting each other. By the time this goes to press, the Deise Singers’ sold-out Christmas Teatime Recital in St. Mary’s Church of Ireland will have already taken place, and will no doubt have been a huge success. This is always a wonderful occasion and we hope everyone lucky enough to have secured tickets on time enjoyed this

festive musical feast, and the lovely tasty treats served afterwards! The Deise Singers are going from strength to strength these days, under musical director Fiona Tobin, with lots of new members, including lots of men, joining this year. We look forward to your next concert with great anticipation! MERRY CHRISTMAS Finally, we’d like to wish all our friends, families and supporters a very peaceful and happy Christmas.We’re very grateful for all your support throughout the year and look forward to entertaining you again in 2015!!

Director Mary Kelly and Assistant Director Kris Cowming at the open readings for Curtain Call Productions Dungarvan's next production, Steel Magnolias, which will take place in March 2015.


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Touraneena SLIABH gCUA LOTTO Week ending 14th December, 2014. Lotto jackpot €1,200. Winning numbers drawn were 6, 9 and 19. No winner. New jackpot €1,300. 5 x €20 winners Terrie Burke, Abbie Fitzpatrick, Patsy Dalton, Michael Quinlan, Margaret Fennell. Promoter’s prize €20, Marian Cliffe. Next draw is in Dunne's Bar, Touraneena on Sunday, 21st December, 2014. This is the last draw before Christmas and there will be extra prizes next Sunday night. Don't miss out on the chance of a jackpot win for Christmas, lotto tickets cost €2 each and can be purchased from committee members, local retail outlets and designated promoters. CONGRATULATIONS Huge congratulations are extended to Jim Wall, the Nire, who is one of the latest Munster legends to be inducted in to the Munster GAA Hall Of Fame. The

WATERFORD County Museum would like to take this opportunity to thank all our members and friends for their support over the past year. We wish you all a very happy and peaceful Christmas and a prosperous New Year. LOCAL HISTORY California in Abbeyside (Dungarvan 12th October) On the morning of this day, some men having been digging potatoes for the widow O’Brien, of Abbeyside, some of them dug up some things which appeared to be middle sized buttons, as they state, and passed no other thought on them. In some time after the widow came into the garden to collect the potatoes, and meeting with the supposed buttons, she took up one or two of them, and rubbing off the clay, she saw them quite yellow, with printed characters, and at once she recognised them to be sovereigns. The poor woman said no more at the time, but went into town, and showed them to a competent judge, who told her they were old guineas of the reign of William III and George II, for which she received 40 shillings. On her return home, the creature was overjoyed at her good fortune, and told the whole story to her neighbours, and at once they assembled in their hundreds

award was presented at the Munster GAA Gala Dinner on Saturday night, 13th December in Dromoland Castle, Co. Clare. Jim has given a life time of service both to his club and county and is synonymous with football in Waterford. It is a fitting tribute to have it recognised by his induction in to the hall of fame. Other award winners for 2014 are Tipperary hurling hero, Liam Devaney, Mac Dara Mac Donncha, Waterford, the Media Award. Shane Hourigan R.I.P for his services to refereeing, awarded posthumously following his death in a car accident this year. Derry Gowen, Cork, special merit award for his contribution to Culture and Scor. John Lenihan, University College Limerick, for his services to education. John Cronin, Cork, Intermediate hurling award and Gavan O'Grady, Kerry, for Junior football.

seeking the precious metal. Several more were found of the same description, together with two Spanish doubloons, valued at £3.10s each. The labourers also were well paid for their labour, as they met with more of the sovereigns and the police hearing of the facts of the case, soon put all to flight, took charge of the poor woman’s property, and will continue on the land for some time. (Cork Examiner 15th October, 1852). ANNUAL MEMBERSHIP As our new year has just begun we would like to remind our members that the annual membership fee is now due for renewal. If you are interested in becoming a member of the Museum, the annual subscription is €15. VISITING THE MUSEUM We welcome visits from schools, community groups, and local history societies. Please contact us at 05845960 to arrange a visit. Let us know if you are interested in a particular subject and we will focus on that during the visit. RORY WYLEY EXHIBITION This exhibition will be on display in the Museum throughout December, all are welcome, admission free. There is a wide variety of photographs on display.

DEISE DRAW The final draw of 2014 will take place in De La Salle on Monday night, 22nd December. Terrific prizes to be won with a top prize of €10,000. CHRISTMAS GREETINGS The writer of this column would like to wish the editor, staff and readers a very happy and peaceful Christmas. Also, a big thank you to all those who contributed to the column throughout the year. PARISH CALENDER Fill those Christmas stockings with a charming Parish calender, a lovely trip down memory lane of the old and the new. Calenders on sale in Beary’s Cross, the Post Office and the creamery in aid of the book rental scheme in St. Mary’s, Touraneena National School. Also available from Aine 087-1342940 or Catherine 083-1402413. Happy Christmas.

OPENING HOURS Monday to Friday 10.00 a.m. - 5.00 p.m. WAR LIST First World War Waterford Casualty List Week Ending 19th December Surname: Ussher; First Name: Stephen; Age: 32; Service No Rank: Captain; Service: Army (India); Unit: Baluchi (Duke of Conn); Where Born: Modeligo Brackley; Death Category: Killed in Action; Date of Birth: 16/12/1914. Can you please include this additional note and attachment for publication this week. “THE DÉISE DIVIDED” Tommy Mooney has recently published his new book titled "The Déise Divided" a history of Waterford Brigade IRA and the Civil War. The book was published by de Paor, Scanlan's Yard, Dungarvan, and is now available at the Museum.

The young people of Hulai na Rinne ready to play for the large crowd at Abbeyside Christmas Fair recently.

Youghal Talent CD Release VERSATILITY and vitality are two words that best describe the talent on the forthcoming realease of the ROOTS 3 music collection. Titled, ‘Songs From Our Young’ the 19 track compilation album is out on the 15th of December and is the product of the much-heralded annual Y Factor talent showcase and the inspirational work of Bobby Lee and other volunteers at Youghal’s Hot Spot youth café. The album leaves the listener with a great sense of hope for the future, such is the breadth and depth of musical enterprise, enthusiasm and engagement. If you wanted to judge a CD by its cover then you will find it easy to anticipate the energy in the production given the sheer joy in the pictures of the musicians. What happens in the process for these lucky and gifted young people cannot be understated in an era where the young are often criticised for being too self involved in social media and communications technology. Here is the proof of commitment to hours of practice, confidence in performance and expression of talent. There are simply too many ‘goosebump’ moments popping out of the speakers to unjustly single out any one, or few, songs from the tracklisting. Suffice it to say that each track has a unique sound and treatment and it is very evident that the superb production work is the result of a passion to support the efforts of the young talents on show. Bobby explained how the process came to fruition. “We began recording the bones of roots 3 during the

Halloween break 2013. We spent a week with 3 to 4 bands or acts everyday to get each track down.Throughout the year, as funds allowed, we did the overdubs and added other instruments in. It was recorded by John Burke at Claycastle Studios, Youghal and features a backing band of Conor Sloane on drums and Leo Mullane on bass. It all derived from the Y Factor music Showcase 2013 an ongoing event. We used funds from the show to get it going and good deed cards like bob or job cards were given to the acts to gather pre -order cash and help us along. It’s been long nights and early mornings in the studio to bring it to here but it’s a real a blessing and well worth it. It has a total of 19 tracks originals and re-arranged cover versions of the artists’ favourite songs of the day.” It is more than heartening to realise that ROOTS 3: Songs From Our Young is the third installment from the practice rooms of the Hot Spot and the stage of the Y Factor. It is without any question the outstanding success story that has quietly and humbly trumped all others for its sustained commitment to the youth of Youghal. A special spin-off single will be released from the album for the ‘Get Bizzy For Izzy’ campaign in support of Izzy O’Connell. The Beatles track, ‘With A Little Help From My Friends’ is performed by the Bunscoil Singers. For more information on the project visit bobbylee.bandcamp.com. Roots 3 will be available in Scotts shop 137 north main street Youghal you can download and order a physical copy online.

Tallow CHERNOBYL CHILDREN’S TRUST Christmas Raffle,The lucky winners in our Christmas Raffle this year were Anne Murphy,Woodview Park; Dinny McCarthy, Cork and Nicola Cogan, c/o Anne O’Neill, West St. Our sincere thanks, as ever to all who continue to support our voluntary organisation. A word of thanks to the following for their help with the raffle: Catriona Doyle, of Inka Design Lismore and Tallow, Bridie and Paddy Martin, Corner House Bar, Bunty O’Sullivan, Mary Curley, Marion Forbes, Tallow Community Centre. A special word of thanks to Brian Fitzgerald and Mary Forde for the use of their premises for our volunteers and also a special word of thanks to the Keniry family and staff of Centra Supermarket who supplied our volunteers with hot food and beverages during the cold days our volunteers were in the square. It was greatly appreciated.To the public in general who continue to give us great support over many years we say thanks. On a sad note, one of our beloved children passed to her eternal reward this past week, in an orphanage in Belarus. You would think at this stage we would be used to such happenings which occur from time to time, but we as a group are deeply saddened by her passing. Through your support over the years she was one of many, many children whom we were able to help during her severe illness which she finally succumbed to. Alena was just 13 years of age. May she rest in peace. We wish you, on behalf of our children and their families, and on our own behalf, a very Happy and Peaceful Christmas. TALLOW COMMUNITY COUNCIL Tallow Community Council St. Stephen's Day 5K Run/Walk. Starting time 11.00 a.m. at St. Patrick's Hall,Tallow. Registration 10.30 a.m. Complimentary Refreshments afterwards in Clancy's Bar. Prizes for 1st, 2nd, 3rd for Male, Female, Kids. €5 Entry Fee (includes entry to draw for many prizes). We would like to thank everyone who supported our raffle at the recent Christmas Market in Tallow.

Modeligo Dancers Scor 1987 – Back row: John Mansfield, John McCarthy, Billie Mernin and Jim Cliffe. Front row: Theresa Power, Catherine Kiely, Carmel Dalton, Allie Barron.


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Ladies Club Members at their Christmas Party.

Ballysaggart BALLYSAGGART PUBLIC CAR PARK Next Saturday, December 20th, weather permitting, it is hoped to carry out some regrading of the car park before putting down the stone. It would be great if possible if some diggers and tractors and dump trailers would be available, if everyone is up for it. It's great to see the boundary wall re-building in the village steadily making progress. CHRISTMAS WISHES Ballysaggart Community Development Company Ltd. Board of Directors wish everyone at home and abroad a Very Merry Christmas and a Peaceful, Prosperous New Year.Thank you all for your help and support during 2014 and we look forward to seeing you all again in 2015 for our planned works. FESTIVAL NOTES BALLYSAGGART LIGHTS UP FOR CHRISTMAS Ballysaggart Festival Committee and GAA Club hosted a community Christmas Party on Saturday, December 8th during which the Christmas Lights were turned on. A great crowd gathered outside Meagher's Bar where Fr. Cullinane got proceedings underway with prayers followed by the turning on of the lights. There was Christmas music played and then the entertainment was provided by Sampson, and, between the music and refreshments provided everyone had a great night.

Sincere thank you to all who were involved in the putting up of the lights and to everyone who helped in any way to ensure that the night was a success. CHILDREN'S CHRISTMAS PARTY Santa and his elves arrived in Ballysaggart last Sunday to the cheer of the many boys and girls awaiting to see him. As always he didn't disappoint as all the boys the girls received not only a present but also reindeer food to leave out for and Rudolph and all the reindeer on Christmas Eve. The festival committee would like to take this opportunity to thank all those who helped to decorate the hall, to those who made the tea and supplied home baking and to those who helped out on the day, to the Lismore Fire Brigade who kindly bring Santa to Ballysaggart every year. The committee would like to thank Santa for bringing extra presents which will be passed onto the St. Vincent De Paul. Finally, the festival committee would like to wish everyone a Happy Christmas and Prosperous New Year. LADIES CLUB CHRISTMAS PARTY Last Monday night our Community Centre was alive with real Christmas Spirit where over thirty ladies gathered to celebrate our party night out as we usually do every year.This year we decided to stay in Ballysaggart. A beautiful meal was served up by Bernie Glavin take a bow Bernie it was just delicious. Then we took the floor for

waltzes, tangos and quicksteps with Batty at his best. The highlight of the night was the arrival of Santa with his big sack of goodies. Every lady got a very useful gift and another great night was over. Looking forward to seeing you all in the New Year. Wishing all our club members a very Happy Christmas and a Healthy 2015. CONGRATULATIONS The Ballysaggart community wish to congratulate Ballysaggart GAA Club on their recent Special Achievement Award 2014 which they received from the Waterford County Board at a ceremony held in Lawlor's Hotel, Dungarvan. Congratulations to Modeligo GAA Club on their recent success in the Junior Club Championship Munster Final. Well done to all involved and best of luck in the remainder of the Championship. COMMUNITY COUNCIL 45 CARD RESULTS 1st Fr. Cullinane and Dave Fennessy. 2nd Nellie Devina and Stephen Cunningham, Sheila Lonergan and Bertie Neville, Deila Cashell and Rita Doocey. Lucky Tables: Mary Power and Ber Coughlan, Nellie Devine and Stephen Cunningham, Sheila Lonergan and Bertie Neville. Tickets: Helen Walsh, Fr. Cullinane, Bertie Neville and Mary Byrne. On Thursday, December 18th we will be having a Christmas Party so all card players are welcome on the night.

Aoibheann Fitzgerald, Ballysaggart's Youngest Baby, with her Mam and Dad David and Aoife

Santa and his Elves arrive on the Fire Engine.

Ladies Club Officers Mary Glavin, Maureen Fennessy and Bridie Murphy with Santa.


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COUNTY NEWS

Dungarvan Observer | Friday, 19 December, 2014

Ballinameela BOOKING THE HALL There are still some available slots for the evenings, so if you would like to start your own in-door soccer games for the winter or other activity you can book the hall through our new booking officer – Alison Curran 087-8289147. The centre is also a great place for kids parties etc and can be rented for €30. Anyone renting the hall, please pay the person who opens up the hall for you and please take away your own rubbish. If you are borrowing anything from the hall, these must be booked through our booking officer Alison Curran. Each month someone on the committee is responsible for opening and closing the hall, December is William Buckley on 087-6104634. Current events on in the hall and local community: Circuit Training: Circuit Training classes have finished now until the new year. Its been a great 10 weeks and well done to all who took part. Classes will resume again in the new year, dates, times and details will be out soon. I would like to wish everyone a Happy Christmas and look forward to seeing you all in the new year, you can contact Tom on 087-8229762. For updated information follow us on Facebook. Finisk Valley AC: Membership for 2015 will be taking place over the month of December. With Christmas on the way, you have the option to deferring membership fee until January 2015. Membership cost covers registration with Athletics Ireland and Insurance for the Club from 1st January, 2015 to 31st December, 2015. Membership Fee for the

coming year:Juvenile Membership: €15 for the first two children and €10 for each child after that. Adult Membership €20. For new members please attach a copy of your birth certificate as it is needed for registration purposes. Note for new members there will be a 3 week trial period to see if the athlete would like to join the club. For insurance purposes no more than 3 weeks trail period allowed. Training times: Wednesday training from 7.00 p.m. to 8.00 p.m., Saturday morning from 10.30 a.m. to 11.30 a.m. in Ballinameela Community pitch/hall. With the year coming to an end, we would like to thank the athletes, parents and everyone who helped out with the Athletics Club throughout the year and thanks to Ballinameela Community Centre for the use of their excellent facilities. Happy Christmas and New Year to everyone. Irish Dancing: New members very welcome. For more information please contact Deirdre on 086-0640892. Ballinameela Foroige: Ballinameela Foroige meets on Thursday evenings in the Ballinameela Community Centre from 7.00 p.m. -8.30 p.m. We have a very limited number of spaces available for new members this year, which will be awarded on a a first come first served basis. Please text Moya (087-6356478) to join the waiting list if you are interested. Ballinameela Foroige is looking for new leaders to help out on club nights. Anyone interested in getting involved please call Mary (087-9840827) for more

FROM time to time, a friend and neighbour of mine has endured my company, over coffee, while we set the world to rights. This friend, who shall henceforth be known as Big T, recently raised the subject of authors we read and enjoyed the most when we were young. The usual suspects were thrown into the fray, such as Enid Blyton with her Secret Seven and Famous Five. Then there was Franklin W Dixon for The Hardy Boys, or, during puberty, Nancy Drew. The Just William books by Richmal Crompton, tales of adventure by Wilbur Smith and flights of fancy by Arthur C. Clark. A mutual sigh of agreement arrived at the mention of our own Walter Macken. His simple stories of honest hard-working people whose lives he made epic with beautifully crafted words and phrases. His descriptive powers were evident in such novels as, "The Scorching Wind", "Brown Lord of the Mountain" and "Seek the Fair Land". Walter once described boredom as"....the dream bird that hatches the egg of experience. A rustling in the leaves drives him away", and morning as, "...the day lies like a fresh shirt on our bed... The happiness of the next 24 hours

details; you can also check out www.foroige.ie or call down to the Ballinameela Community Centre any Thursday between 7.00 p.m. 8.30 p.m. BALLINAMEELA ADULT AND TODDLER GROUP Meets every Thursday from 9.30 a.m. to 11.30 a.m. in the halla of Whitechurch National School. New parents, child minders, grandparents with toddlers very welcome! For more information contact Janice on 087-9718945. AGLISH FIT4LIFE Would you like to take some gentle exercise and lose a few pounds in the process over the next couple of months. Then come along and join us and run, walk or crawl a few kilometres every Tuesday and Thursday at the earlier time of 7.15 p.m. We are especially looking for some more walkers to join us. Only €2 per night with all proceeds going to Childrens Hospital Crumlin. A number of our running group are now participating in 5 and 10k and Half Marathons.That's what can be achieved with a little training. So see ye all on Tuesday or Thursday night folks. BADMINTON If you fancy a socialable game of badminton come along to Ballinameela Community Centre on Tuesday nights from 8.00 p.m. to 10.00 p.m. if interested contact Mairead at 087-7681975. COMMUNITY ALERT There is a Community Alert text system in place - text your name and mobile number to this number: 087-3538347. It works in 2 ways, firstly a mes-

depends on our ability, on waking, to pick it up" and the sunset over the Claddagh basin as " the rose colour from the retiring sun reflected in the wings of the seagulls making them look like tropical birds". From his words you could see, feel and even taste the colours in those pages. It is a skill possessed by few writ-

sage regarding any suspicious activity is sent to your phone so you can be on the lookout. Secondly, you can send details of suspicious activity to this number where it will be resent around to the community and to the Gardai who treat it as serious and act immediately. Follow on facebook www.facebook.com/parish.co mmunityalert. BALLINAMEELA GAA AGM The AGM will take place on Saturday, 27th December at 8.00 p.m. in Ballinameela Community Centre. Could everyone please attend. BALLINAMEELA COMMUNITY CENTRE The committee members would like to take this opportunity to thank everyone for all your support throughout the year, we would like to wish you all a very Happy Christmas and look forward to seeing you all again in the New Year. Thanks again. NOTES FOR INCLUSION If you have something you would like in the Ballinameela notes you can email Claire Tobin on fitz_tobin@yahoo.com or phone 087-6808287. Follow and like us on facebook, Ballinameela Community Centre. LOTTO RESULTS - 15th DECEMBER, 2014 Winning numbers were: 9, 26, 30. No winner. €20 winners: Maura Ahearne, Scart; Gillian McGrath, Ballinameela; Micko O’Connell, Aglish; Rosaleen Connery, Aglish; Sarah Maher, Knockalara. Next week’s jackpot €1,850 and will take place in the Kereen Bar with extra prizes.

ers and coveted by many artists. To see the colours as they are is not enough. They must be appreciated at a basic level, from the essence of the shades that created their complex hue to the energy they give us with their beauty. Anyone can put colours on a canvas, but only a true artist can give the picture balance, depth and feeling. The art viewer must be, at least, as involved in the painting as the artist or the message is lost. If there is no message, there is no connection and all you're left with is a mess on a canvas. And there's enough people getting away with that kind of carry-on. Ballinameela Creatives can be found on Facebook or, on Wednesday nights, at Midi's place 7.30 p.m. 'til late.

Dungarvan Lion's Club members at the Remembrance Tree in Dungarvan Shopping Centre December 2013.

Dungarvan Lions Club - Christmas Appeal MANY thanks to all who have contributed to our Appeal so far this year. All monies collected go to needy families and individuals in the West Waterford area. The closing date to apply for vouchers has now passed and these vouchers will be delivered during the coming week. This week is no exception, the fun raising events go on and on. If you purchased any item at the On Air Auction on Tuesday 16th, please note that the latest time for collection at the Lions Unit in Dungarvan Shopping Centre is this Wednesday, 17th December at 2.30 p.m.…. so hurry. The ever popular Breakfast Broadcast by WLRfm from The Shamrock Restaurant will be held on Thursday, 18th December, 8.00 a.m. – 10.00 a.m.……so see you there. Lion’s Club members will be collecting at the Tree of Remembrance in Dungarvan Shopping Centre for Friday 19th right

through to Tuesday 23rd. This is always very popular as it gives an opportunity for many people to remember their loved ones at this time of year. Other events for the coming week are as follows: The Fireman’s Collection will be held on Saturday 20th in Grattan Square.This is a great photo opportunity. For most children their favourite photo shot is the one taken with Santa; what we have noticed over the years is that the second favourite is to have a photo taken with the fireman with the big fire engine in the background. On Saturday night there is another opportunity to hear the music of Paddy Joe Ryan at the Pub Music Night at Kiely’s Cross. If you are up early on Sunday 21st, you will see Dungarvan Cycling club take to their wheels in their Christmas Appeal sponsored cycle. Last year another very popular event was the Dungarvan Hillwalking Club walk in

Ardmore. Meet for this at the Park Hotel at 2.00 p.m. That’s cycling & walking over two days but just to ensure that you can really keep active, join us for the Annual Christmas Day Swim at Clonea Beach, 12.00 noon. A reminder that another feature of the Appeal is the photo shoot at our unit in the Dungarvan Shopping Centre. We love to see individuals and groups come in to us, presenting the takings of their fund raising events and having that memorable photo taken. This is always very popular especially with the schools and clubs who help us out so much at this time. Photos will be taken from 2.00 p.m. - 5.00 p.m. on this Wednesday, 17th December. Thanks again to everybody who has helped in any way with the Appeal and wishing you all the blessings of the season.Visit us on Facebook D u n g a r va n L i o n s C l u b, Twitter @DungarvanLions and our new website www.dungarvanlions.ie

Local man Richard Purcell has launched his debut poetry collection “To the Beat of a Different Drum”. Paul Fearon presents a pen-set to Richard Purcell to commemorate the launch of his poetry collection. [DC IMAGES]


COUNTY NEWS

Dungarvan Observer | Friday, 19 December, 2014

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Kilgobinet/Colligan/Kilbrien THE GASCOIGNE MILKER "There are 29 Milking Plants in County Waterford. 23 of them are the 'Gascoigne.' This proud boast appeared in the Dungarvan Observer on Saturday, the 26th of August, 1933.There followed a list of 19 satisfied users including Mount Melleray Abbey and sundry Waterford Esquires. The Irish representative, J. McEvoy, had his office in Kilworth and he invited readers to contact him at "Phone No. 7." With the Gascoigne Milker, Ireland entered the modern dairy age. Before the Gascoigne, "Milking Plants" comprised a stool and a pail. The new machines were a big step up the dairy ladder for local farmers. Unfortunately, they required electricity, so such industrial equipment had to wait till after 1957 in most of KCK parish. In that Sputnik year, electricity reached Comeragh hill country. The late '50's Gascoigne machinery needed electricity to turn a fan, and just as in a modern vacuum cleaner, this air flow created a mild vacuum. THE COW HOUSE These early model milking machines had the great advantage that they could be used in existing cow houses. There was no need to build a milking parlour from scratch with all the expenses that entailed. Simply run a pipe along the existing walls of the milking shed and the Gascoigned farmer was ready to go. In the cows went as always to their allotted milking stations. They were locked into place facing the newly installed pipe along the shed walls. A shallow trough filled with cow nuts kept them occupied during the winter, but otherwise they simply chewed their cud while the milking proceeded. With the animals in

place, the motor was turned on and the pipe acted as a vacuum. The farmer carried the guts of the milker along with him as he proceeded down the rows of cows. This portable milker consisted of a stainless bucket capable of holding about five gallons. The bucket was sealed and a long, flexible tube emerged from the top. Connecting this tube to taps in the vacuum pipe produced suction. Also dangling from the top of the bucket was a cluster of four rubber milking teats which were attached to the cow's udder after it was cleaned with a bucket of water filled with disinfectant. The cluster sucked, the milk flowed and the bucket filled. THE MILKING No time for a stool there was too much to do. Finish one cow and transfer the cluster to the animal beside it. When both were milked, remove the flexible tube from the vacuum pipe and pour the pail's contents into a sterilized milk churn. Move to the next pair of cows and repeat the procedure. It used to take an experienced dairy maid or man 10 to 15 minutes to milk each cow by hand. The Gascoigne cut this time down to 5 minutes or less. A single farmer using the Gascoigne Milker could manage at least twice as many animals. A further increase in efficiency came from using two Gascoigne pails at once, with a third pail in reserve. Simply transfer the Gascoigne top to the reserve pail and hook it up to a cow. Now the pail that was full of milk could be poured into a churn without a break in the milking. Squat down and attach the cluster, stand up and pour off the full pail, hurry back to unhook the first machine, remove the cap and place it on the empty pail, move it to a new cow, bend down and attach the cluster, go back and unhook

the second machine.... No wonder there was no time to be sitting on a stool! CHURNS Initially, the churns into which the warm milk was transferred came in all sizes, 5 or 10, 15 or 20 gallons. Since these churns sat on high platforms at one end of the cow house, they could easily be rolled on their rims onto farm carts for transport to the creamery. But, the warm milk provided a rich bacterial medium, so farmers began to cool the creamery cans with a neat little gadget. Off came the churn cap to be replaced by a temporary lid with a long U-shaped pipe that reached deep into the churn. A water hose was connected, and cooling water was pumped through the U-shaped pipe, then back up into the temporary cover where it exited from a myriad of tiny holes to drip down the sides of the churn. With this step added, the bigger churn sizes became impractical and 10 gallon cans weighing 80 pounds became the standard. LORRIES The milk cart filled with churns headed to the creamery at Scart or down to Dungarvan. In the early 1950's, the Dungarvan side of the parish had it easy, or as easy as it could be when eighty pound churns had to be hefted around. Instead of carting the churns all the way to the creamery and standing around sharing news until the milk was processed, the Dungarvanbound farmers deposited their churns on the nearest roadside milk stand. These were usually within half a mile of the farms, and the Creamery lorry came round to collect them. Before too long a similar transport system served the Scart Creamery farms. The 1960's saw the first refrigerated stainless steel tanks begin to replace churns. Creamery trucks

Patrick Walsh, Kilnafrehan East, demonstrates the Gascoigne Milker. Patrick still finds the old machine useful for gentling skittish heifers into the modern milking routine.

simply connected a flexible hose to the tank and sucked up the contents. The old Gascoigne system of a single pail and cluster multiplied. Soon milking parlours boasted four clusters, then six and upward. Hoses to carry the milk snaked round the sheds. Motors got bigger and so did the volume of milk per cow. But, well into the 1990's, some local farmers were still using the bucket system. NUMBERS As efficiency grew, herds got bigger. At the same time, the number of farmers tumbled. Back in 1973, one quarter of the million people employed in Ireland were farmers. Only 100,000 remain and a huge percentage of these are part-timers. When Ireland joined the Common Market in 1973, in came the Common Agricultural Policy. Dairy quotas were allotted in 1983 and 90,000 farmers became full time dairymen and women. Ireland has added a million jobs since then, but today only 18,000 dairy farmers remain. CAPS OFF As the pace picked up, mixed farms disappeared. Into the mists of memory departed operations with half a dozen cows and calves, a few dozen sheep and chickens, perhaps a sow and her piglets.Tillage crops became a specialty, and out went the days when a single farm grew a few acres of potatoes, carrots, turnips, a field or two of sugar beets, oats, barley, and maybe some wheat in the lower fields. This coming year, the cap has come off CAP and quotas will be no more. Worldwide competition will get even more intense. The challenges will grow. But, anyone who wants to return to a simpler system knows what to do.

Alan Fitzgerald of Kilbrien, second generation lorry driver, inaugurated Glanbia's new milk processing plant in Belview, Waterford. Alan's father, John Fitzgerald, began the family tradition back in 1964 when he made rounds for the newly formed Waterford Co-op, now Glanbia. To honour this 50 years of service, Alan was given the honour of delivering the first tank load of milk to the new â‚Ź157 million facility. Simply dial phone number 7 and speak to the man in Kilworth. THE FARMER A poem once widely recited. Let the wealthy and the great Roll in splendour and in state, I envy them not, I declare it. I eat my own lamb and my chicken and ham, I shave my own fleece and I wear it. I have lawns, I have bowers, I have fruit, I have flowers, The lark is my morning alarmer. So jolly boys now, here's good speed to the plough, Long life and success to the farmer. KILGOBINET CAROLS From mid-September to mid-December there are only about a dozen Wednesdays. So, it's fairly

astonishing that the parish choir, a neighbourly group which meets to practice on Wednesday nights, managed to perform such a lovely compendium of Christmas Carols.They sang with style and in two part harmonies to boot. The students of Coolnasmear School held their own, though, amidst this talented assembly. The youngsters sang out with high, clear, angelic voices and the soloists delighted the packed audience at Kilgobinet Church. Credit for such a lovely evening are due the school teachers and Dina Walshe, choir master. And to the students and choir members themselves... Thank You. KILBRIEN SCHOOL VARIETY SHOW 17th December, Wednesday - A night of entertainment by the students of Kilbrien School in aid of charity. Kilbrien Hall at 7.30 p.m.

Students of Coolnasmear School at Kilgobinet Church for the Christmas Pageant and Carol Service.

KILBRIEN FESTIVE GATHERING 21st December, Sunday There will be a festive gathering hosted by Kilbrien Parent & Toddler group in Kilbrien Parish Hall after 9.30 a.m. Mass on Sunday morning, the 21st of December. Come along for some refreshments, entertainment and a chat. Take this opportunity to wish your neighbours and friends a very happy Christmas. CHRISTMAS MASS TIMES 24th December, Wednesday, Christmas Eve Colligan Church - 7.00 p.m.; Kilgobinet Church 8.15 p.m. 25th December, Thursday, Christmas Day Kilbrien Church - 9.30 a.m.; Kilgobinet Church 11.00 a.m. INCLUDE YOUR INFO Scott Simons - greenhillsofireland@gmail.com


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COUNTY NEWS

Dungarvan Observer | Friday, 19 December, 2014

Lismore LISMORE TIDY TOWNS People living in Fernville, Chapel Place and Ashley Court must be delighted to see the trees being pruned in their areas.There had been massive growth on those trees in recent years so it is great to see the work that has been done and we look forward to seeing its completion on South Mall and West Street. Thanks to area engineer Waterford City and County Council, Ms. Josephine McGrath and local council overseer Mr. John Foley for ensuring that this work was carried out. During the past week our CES worker Michael has been busy going back over the various planted areas around to make sure that they are weed free and tidy over the Christmas period. A twice daily litter pick up is also part of his work at this time of year. Thanks to Mr. Ollie Flynn East Main Street for cutting the hedge running along the tennis court wall on West Street. As this week’s notes are the final ones before Christmas, everyone involved with Lismore Tidy Towns wishes the community of Lismore a happy and peaceful Christmas and good wishes for 2015. ECO TIP OF THE WEEK Some environmentally friendly tips for the Christmas season:Choose a live tree: if you have not yet bought your Christmas tree it might be worth considering the purchase of a live potted tree which if planted in a large pot will not have to be replanted for two to three years. Many of us now buy artificial trees because they are reusable from year to year but such trees are made from petroleum products and when they are eventually disposed off they may end up in landfill where their plastic content will make them last for hundreds of years. Use environmentally friendly wrapping paper: if possible use wrapping paper made using fibres such as hemp or paper using recycled content. Many of the rolls of wrapping paper in our shops have glossy/metallic foil. Foil gift wrap is difficult to recycle because of their metallic con-

tent Resuse bags/ribbons boxes: many of us now receive gifts in special gift bags/boxes, hold on to those and reuse in the future. Ribbon can also be used for household flower arrangements for special occassions. Bubble wrap can also be stored for reuse. LISMORE MOCHUDA DEVELOPMENT GROUP We would like to remind everyone that the draw for our Christmas Hampers will be held on Tuesday, 23rd December next in the Lismore House Hotel. The raffle lines are on sale in local shops and businesses and we would ask you to please support us where you can. We have 3 Christmas Hampers to be won on the night. The 3 hampers have been prepared by local shops in Lismore and are valued at €125 including a meat voucher worth €40. We would encourage you all to shop locally when you can, help keep your town in business by keeping your business in the town.We will also hold our annual Church Gate Collection to raise funds for the Christmas Lights next weekend, 20th and 21st December. We would really appreciate your support for both the raffle lines and the Church Gate Collection. All of the funds collected from these activities go towards the Christmas Lights fund. LISMORE DRAMATIC SOCIETY A very busy few weeks ended for the Society last weekend. After our hugely successful two weekend run with ‘Moll’ (directed by James Lenane) we had a most entertaining weekend with our junior members in ‘The Sound of Christmas’. Eighty five young people graced the stage (many for the first time) and their hard work was much appreciated by the adoring audiences of parents, friends and family. Ellen McCloskey directed, audited by her sister Beckey and Sally Ann O’Grady and the children were marshalled by Julie, Trica and Maura. A memorable show was enjoyed by all. A very happy Christmas to all our members, patrons, supporters and sponsors and thanks to all. Now we are ready for our next show.

Parish of Lismore and Ballysaggart BAPTISM is important to so many people even among people whose commitment to the Faith community is very weak. For all of us the renewal of our Baptismal journey is no optional extra. Nothing grounds us like saying, ‘I am sorry’ to a family member, or a work colleague, or a Parishioner without any ‘ifs and buts’. Likewise, we need to be able to say sorry to god both personally and in the Sacrament of Reconciliation / Confession / Penance / Healing.What a joy it is for us when we say we are sorry and are greeted with a gesture that affirms our dignity, our relationship. Spiritual and emotional growth takes place both in the giver and receiver of reconciliation. As a community we will assemble in St. Carthage’s Church on Sunday, 21st at 7.00 p.m. to celebrate the healing, reconciling Sacrament. We will have reading of the Word of God, a short teaching on the grace of reconciliation, a refection on our life’s journey. Thanks to the priests who will be then available for the rite of reconciliation. As an aside, priests are here available, maybe on another day when you are needing to be reconciled with God a priest may be hard to find. Thanks to all who help to make this short time prayerful, inspirational, truthful, and reconciling. (Fr. Michael

Cullinan will be available in Ballysaggart before the 9.30 am morning Mass for the usual Confessions from 9.00 a.m., maybe the penance in the early rising.) The families whose young member is preparing both in School, with Mrs. Lonergan and Ms Maher and at home in their families for their First Holy Communion will actively participate in the 11.00 a.m. Mass on Sunday 21st at 11.00 a.m. Surely leading the children to experience communion within their families will part of the pathway to Communion in Jesus Christ. All our schools will close on Friday 19th for their Christmas holidays. May these days of relaxation renew their tired minds. May teachers too, use these days to regain their energy. Classroom work is demanding, challenging in many ways those who look from afar at the classroom may not appreciate. MASS TIMETABLE Weekday Mass at 10.00 a.m. Saturday, 20th December Vigil Mass in Lismore at 6.15 p.m. Sunday, 21st December Morning Mass in Ballysaggart at 9.30 a.m. Sunday Mass in Lismore at 11.00 a.m. PRO Pastoral Council Parish Radio Link 103.9FM

A nice Christmas time scene at Tallow Parish Church.

[David O'Flynn]

Donna’s Equine Sanctuary THERE will be a Table Quiz in Quill’s Bar on Thursday, 18th December, 2014 at 8 p.m. Table max 4 players €20. All welcome. We are also inviting young people to enter pictures in our first Christmas drawing competition. It is €2 to enter and the winner will be picked by local talented artist Ann DunphyNelson on New Year’s Eve. All entries should be sent to D.E.S. Picture Comp, Donna’s Livery Stables, Kilgobinet, Dungarvan, Co. Waterford. Be sure to write name, address, age and contact details on the back.The theme is Winter with horses. The Race Night has been postponed, it will now be in Crotty’s Inn, Lemybrien at 8.30 p.m. on Friday, 23rd January, 2015. On Bank Holiday Monday, 27th October, there was a sponsored walk from Stradbally Village to Grattan Square, Dungarvan.

Donna with Tess, Emily, Danielle, Ellie and Alison walked it. Babs and Sharon drove support cars. Great fun was had by all and we raised some well needed

funds. All of our charges are doing well.We are as always looking for hay donations. We are still asking farmers/anybody with hay

if they might donate a few bales, doesn’t have to be alot but any will go a long way to making life easier. It can be collected, if it is easier to the donators. Not only do we accept money but equipment, feed, rugs and time. As always a huge thank you to everybody who has helped us. Our operation is solely funded by charitable donations and fundraisers. Our horses and ponies are looking for homes. Foster or adopt a rescue. Give them a temporary or permanent home. Our website is www.horsesanctuary.ie We are on Facebook and we are always looking for more help, more funds, more equipment, so please feel free to contact any of our committee members, Sharon, our committee secretary on 089 455 7957 or Alison our Treasurer 085 178 3811.

Lismore Community First Response Programme A RECERTIFICATION course in IHF (Irish Heart Foundation) Heartsaver AED and PHECC (PreHospital Emergency Care Council) Cardiac First Responder Community (CFR-C) was held on Saturday, 13th December, 2014 at the Red Hall, Lismore. Ten members of the LCFR group attended. At LCFR we strive to

meet and maintain international standards of best practice according to European guidelines. All members of LCFR are trained to full and valid certification with both IHF and PHECC and maintain their skills through regular training sessions throughout the year. We endeavour to assist the ambulance service in reaching target response

times, thus enhancing the chain of survival. LCFR is a voluntary group and we always wel-

come new members. For more information, please contact David Kiely 0864034593.


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Cappoquin CAPPOQUIN TIDY TOWNS Cappoquin Tidy Towns would like to wish its members, kind sponsors and supporters all of the joys and blessings of Christmas, and the very best in 2015. We would also like to express our best wishes to those of you who are unwell. Our deepest sympathies to those who have lost family and friends this year. CAPPOQUIN CHILDCARE FACILITY Christmas Holidays Closing Times: Pre-School: Closing Friday, 19th December, 12.00 noon, reopening Monday, 5th January, 2015. Creche: Closing Tuesday, 23rd December, 6.00 p.m., reopening Monday, 5th January, 2015 at 8.00 a.m. Afterschools and Homework Club: Reopening Tuesday, 6th January, 2015. Santa Claus will visit Cappoquin Childcare Service on Friday, 19th December 10.30 a.m. The Childcare staff: Maria, Mairead,

Marguerite, Marian, Kerry, Sandra, Jean, Josephine, Margaret and Cathy, wish the parents and children a very Happy Christmas. CAPPOQUIN ST. VINCENT DE PAUL Cappoquin St. Vincent de Paul thanks all who contributed to its recent church gate collection. The total collected at the four churches Cappoquin, Modeligo, Affane and Melleray – amounted to €2,978.Your generosity is much appreciated. ST. MARY’S PARISH, CAPPOQUIN Does Christmas start with a Frozen Princess? Does Christmas start with Orders On Line? No Christmas starts with CHRIST and in Cappoquin we will begin our preparations on Friday 19th when our season warms up with a Carol Concert performed by our Youth Choir proclaiming “Joy to the World.” This has quickly established itself as a “Tradition”, not to be missed by

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MANY HANDS MAKE LIGHTS WORK The Christmas lighting on Main Street and at the Square were switched on in a lovely event last Thursday. It was a grand community event, with the switch-on being signalled in a unique way as the captains of both the Cappoquin and Modeligo hurling teams lofted sliotars over the Christmas tree to ‘ignite’ the lights. It was absolutely great to see such a unique moment for the two Munster champion clubs to be acknowledged in one place – a sort of Cornerstone-Finnisk take on the flaming arrow used to ignite the Olympic flame in Barcelona years ago. Great idea. There are so many people to thank for the fact that the Christmas lights are back along Main Street that it is difficult to know where to start, and for sure there will need to be a second list after Christmas. Civic Link coordinated the efforts, with huge support in the run up to the switch on from the Choral Society Committee. Local groups like the Tide Towns Committee, Carnival, Heritage Group, Camogie Club, Carers’ Association and Sportsmans’ Darts club – a special mention for Luke’s work here – were all very generous in their support for the lights. The number of local traders and individuals who contributed has run to dozens at this point, so that at time of writing, our treasurer Mary reports that a total of €1,805 has come in for the lights project, with the promise of more to come, including a

commitment from the City and County Council. Any excess money from this year will be ring-fenced in a separate account for future years. None of this could have happened without a lot of networking and help from lots of people. Again, hoping not to omit anyone, we thank John O’Brien, Mick Fenton and Michael Murray for all truck and transport on the night, Anne Devine for the steps used by the singers, stewards like Tony Hickey and Tommy O’Sullivan, our wonderful ‘sparks’ Vinnie, Jimmy and Tommy, the members of the youth, adult and primary school choirs. A very special thank you goes to Anthony Prendergast and family too, who made sure that their own sad bereavement did not affect access to the lights connection. Our Council staff have, as always, been more than helpful to any requests for barriers etc, and our fire men likewise have been so supportive of this and many other local efforts. Finally, thanks to the Choral

young or old… come along and enjoy the uplifting music of these talented young people. And you can leave your purse and credit cards at home, money can’t buy what is on offer so entry is FREE! Amazon can’t top that! A service of reconciliation will be held in Cappoquin on Wednesday, 17th December, at 7.30 p.m. Mass Times over the Christmas period for Cappoquin, Affane and Modeligo – Cappoquin: Wednesday (Christmas Eve) 9.00 p.m. Thursday (Christmas Day) 11.30 a.m. Friday (St. Stephen’s Day) 11.00 a.m. Affane:Wednesday (Christmas Eve) 7.30 p.m. Modeligo: Wednesday (Christmas Eve) 7.30 p.m. Thursday (Christmas Day) 10.00 a.m. We wish you all a Happy and Blessed Christmas… and hope everyone is on the “Nice List.”

Society yet again, including their various helpers, some in strange and quite alluring costumes on the occasion as well. REMEMBRANCE TREE RIBBONS Since last week, we have placed nearly three hundred remembrance ribbons on the Christmas tree in the Square, and a huge thanks from Civic Link to all who have supported this initiative.The contributions will be totted up after Christmas, but already it looks highly likely that all the insurance cover for 2015 events will be met from the contributions. Ribbons are still available at Mary Murray’s and at the Credit Union, and we cannot adequately thank people for their generosity.The tree itself was, as in previous years, provided free of charge by Civic Link member John McCarthy and erected with great help from Paddy, Paddy and the Council lads. BEST WISHES TO SANTA AT MELLERAY While the lights were being switched on in Cappoquin last Thursday, Santa was arriving in Melleray for an extended stay there before Christmas. No clash of fixtures was intended, as people will understand, and we sincerely hope that Cappoquin lights assisted as part of the landing strip for the great man’s reindeer. Rudolph’s sight isn’t what it used to be. The very best of luck to the vibrant Melleray Community, and to Santa

himself, in the weeks ahead. AFTER CHRISTMAS … THE TURKEY TROT On Sunday, 28th December, Cappoquin Heritage Group is delighted to announce the inaugural ‘Cappoquin Turkey Trot and Toddle’ – no, you don’t have to bring your own turkey to this one! This will be a five or ten kilometre post-Christmas walk, with stewards, etc., to ensure safety. €3 from every €5 entry fee collected will go to Cappoquin SVP and it should be a great social occasion to boot. In order to make sure we get everyone out in the fresh air, the start and finishing point will be at Tourin Hall, with a 12.30 start, and the routes will be specially selected for their natural beauty, heritage and, hopefully, lack of any serious hills! So, put the 28th December in your diaries for this worthy cause. THIS WEEK’S PHOTO It’s hard to put a date on this week’s photo, but it looks like a scene from the 1960s. If anyone can recognise a crew member or two, by all means let us know. It was clearly a high tide moment as this Cappoquin crew set off down river for a training spin. The old walls of the bacon factory are clearly visible, as are the red brick chimney from the furnace and lots of other details. If only those walls could talk. Thanks a million to Anne for this lovely image.

Pictured at the Abbeyside Christmas Fair were Stephen, Bobby and James Fitzgerald, Jackie McGill and Donald Duck. [Sean Byrne//Deise Media]

Modeligo ST. VINCENT DE PAUL The Cappoquin Conference of the St.Vincent de Paul Society would like to thank sincerely all those who contributed so generously to our annual Church Gate collection, and indeed to all who made private contributions, over €500 was raised at Modeligo and nearly €300 at Affane.You can be assured that all monies donated will be put to very good use over the Christmas period. ARRANGEMENTS On Wednesday week next Christmas Eve, there will be a Vigil Nativity Mass at Modeligo Mass at 7.30 p.m. Vigil Mass at Affane will be celebrated also at 7.30 p.m., and at Cappoquin at 9.00 p.m. Christmas Day Mass at will be celebrated at Modeligo at 10.00 a.m. and at Cappoquin at 11.30 a.m. Our wonderful choir have been busily preparing a beautiful selection of Christmas hymns and Carols for the festive season, we look forward to hearing the fruits of their labours. On this Wednesday, December 17th, a Christmas Penitential Service will be held at St. Mary's Cappoquin at 7.30 p.m. and on the following Friday (December 19th), also in Cappoquin Church, a special Carol Service, featuring the local youth Choir, will take place at 8.00 p.m., all are very welcome to attend. LITTLE BOB'S TRACTOR RUN 2015 The 4th annual 'Little Bob's Memorial tractor run' will be held in Touraneena Parish, Ballinamult, on New Year's Day 2015.This event was set up in memory of Robbie Power, who sadly passed away in July 2011.This 'run' has been such a success every year, with a huge turn-out of tractors and onlookers, showing how popular and well-liked the late Bob was amongst family and friends. Gathering at the Community Centre,Touraneena at 12.00 noon, and leaving at 1.00 p.m., this year's route will go through Ballinamult, Newcastle and back to Touraneena village via Knockmeal.This year we will be holding a mini digger challenge, so, do come along and try your luck! Proceeds will be donated to Dungarvan Community Hospital Wheelchair-

accessible Bus Fund, to Sliabh gCua/St. Mary's GAA & Naomh Brid Juvenile GAA Club. Food and refreshments will be served at the Centre after the run. Looking forward to seeing you all in Touraneena on New Year's Day. BIRTHDAY WISHES Congratulations and best wishes to Nicholas Walsh who celebrated his 18th birthday at Deckies on Saturday night last with family members and many friends. Of course, Nicky is a Modeligo Junior Hurling panellist and we send our good wishes to him and all our fantastic hurlers for next stage of the competition. CONDOLENCES It was with great sadness that we learned of the passing of Johnny Prendergast, Poulbathia, and we wish to convey deepest sympathies to his son, daughters, grandchildren, great-grandchildren, as well as to all his extended family and many friends. Earlier on this year, the late Johnny had reached the wonderful milestone of 100 years. The Bridane, Lismore-native came to live in Poulbathia in 1938, and spent his long life farming extensively, as well as running an agricultural contracting business, not really retiring until he was well in his eighties. Following Requiem mass at St. Carthages, Lismore, celebrated by Fr. Brendan Crowley, the late Johnny's mortal remains were laid to rest in the nearby cemetery. Ar dheis Dé go raibh sé. CRANNCHUR AITIÚL On Saturday night last, 5, 11 and 15 were the numbers drawn from the drum, and as we had no "match 3" tickets on board at the count centre, next week's jackpot will be €700. We'd like to take this opportunity to wish all our sellers and supporters a very happy Christmas, and once again thanks for all your wonderful support throughout the year. Also a reminder of our extra lucky dip draw next weekend for Christmas boxes. Bhuaigh na daoine seo leanas €25 an duine sa Mhála Séanmhar: Neid Walsh, Farnane, Brid O’Shea Modeligo, Emma Power, do., and Eugene O'Halloran, Clashmore.


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Dungarvan Observer | Friday, 19 December, 2014

Ardmore CHRISTMAS DAY SWIM Just to keep you all up to date on what has been happening this week for the Ardmore Christmas Day Swim. Once again, the swim is proving to be a huge hit with great interest being shown from locals and visitors alike. As us locals know, this is a very popular event every year, with people of all ages coming down to meet, chat and catch up before and after the swim while enjoying some lovely fresh homemade soup or while they’re chancing an aul hot toddy! As we know, the R.N.L.I are always in need of some assistance with their funding. This fundraising that goes on throughout the year serves Lifeboat Stations from Malin Head to Mizen Head. Just to remind you all once again, the swim will commence at 12.15 p.m. on Ardmore Beach. In our presence on the day, we will have R.N.L.I personnel, our local Coast Guard Unit and Ronan O’Connor from Ardmore Adventure Centre who will be our acting Lifeguard. We are also delighted to say that the up and coming Ardmore Boat Club have come on board and have offered us with any assistance that we may need before, during and after the event. There will be a bucket col-

lection managed by the Ardmore Coast Guard station at the swim. We will welcome all donations on the day, big or small as it goes a long way. Don’t forget to pick up your sponsorship cards from the assigned local outlets, Ardmore Pottery and Ardmore Post Office. Or you can also get one by contacting Katherine Fitzgerald Hourigan on (087) 1218320 or Siobhán Murray on (086) 2145833. Train One, Save Many. MARI MINA CELEBRATE! Mari Mina Pharmacy in Ardmore celebrated their tenth year being part of Ardmore’s community in style last Saturday; other commitments meant I did not make it myself but my source on the ground tells me that a great time was had by all! Many many congratulations to all who are and were involved with the pharmacy over the last decade and here’s to many more years of having this wonderful business in our community! MICHAEL ENGLISH CONCERT Country & Western Sensation Michael English and his band are coming to Ardmore on June 25th 2015. The concert will take place in St. Declan's Church as a fundraiser for the Ardmore National School. 50 tickets have been

released for the Christmas Market and are available from Quinn’s Foodstore and the Brigid Shelly Gallery Ardmore. Priced at €20 each, these tickets will make a lovely Christmas gift...get yours today! PRIDE OF PLACE DVD Due to huge interest, the Ardmore Pride of Place Committee have brought out the DVD which they filmed and presented to the judges in this year's National final of the Pride of Place Competition. It shows Ardmore in all its beauty and history while showcasing the many community groups and organisations who work twelve months of the year, all doing their best for where they live. Priced at €5 and available at the Ardmore Post Office, these will make a lovely gift and a keepsake for many years. TIDY TOWNS NEWS Waste Management Tips! Waste reduction is as much about prevention as it is about reduction.The less waste that is produced/generated the less there is to have to dispose of. The aim of the Tidy Towns competition is to encourage the entire community to work together in order to reduce the amount of waste created and resources used so as to make the community a more sustainable place to live in, to work in and for people to visit on holiday. We can aim to do this by saving energy, water and reducing the amount of refuse and food waste we create. Ardmore Tidy Towns carried out a survey on waste awareness in our village this year and the results were quite promising. • 74% completely shut down domestic appliances when not in use. • 50% walk/cycle to shop/church/social events when possible. • 47% turn off the tap while

brushing teeth. • 43% look for goods with less packaging when shopping. • 38% use a bucket of water to wash the car instead of running the hose the whole time. • 38% of your children walk/cycle to school where possible. • 33% harvest water for garden use. • 26% use rechargeable batteries. • 24% have a brick in the cistern to save water when flushing the toilet. More tips in coming weeks! WISER CHOICE AT QUINN’S A well-known firm that specialises in waste removal and recycling now have application forms for their service available at Quinn’s Foodstore in Ardmore. As a user myself of their service I can vouch for their extremely efficient service and their handy monthly payment service is very competitive indeed. More details at Quinn’s Foodstore. JANE KNIGHT MUSIC SCHOOL Ding dong merrily good Christian boys and girls rejoice. 'Tis the season to be jolly, as Jayne Knight, Music and Singing Teacher in Ballinamona, Ardmore, has pleasure in announcing the following excellent results for all 7 of her local candidates in the recent Royal Irish Academy of Music examinations. Caoimhe Claffey - Honours - Grade 2 - Singing Hanna Roch Perks Honours - Grade 2 - Singing Roisin Hughes Distinctions at both Grade 3 Singing and Grade 1 Piano Andrea Baker - Distinction Grade 3 Singing. Honours Grade 1 Piano Sorcha Nolan - Merit Grade 6 - Singing Jimmy Brockie - Merit Grade 8 - Piano Well done to all. Enjoy a good Christmas break.

Linda and Louise Seward celebrating Mari Mina Pharmacy's 10th Anniversary in Ardmore last Saturday. [Linda O'Mahony]

Tara, JD and Danny Whelan at Mari Mina Pharmacy's 10th Anniversary party in Ardmore last Saturday. [Linda O'Mahony]

Jessica Egan and Brian Wojtkowiak celebrating Mari Mina Pharmacy's 10th Anniversary in Ardmore last Saturday. [Linda O'Mahony]

Ardmore Brownies Investiture 2014 – Alyssa Power, Laura Miller, Aoife O'Brien and Katelyn Mooney at the Ardmore Brownies Investiture last weekend. [Gerry O'Mahony]

Mari Mina Ardmore 10th Anniversary! Marie Therese O'Brien, Bernard Leddy and Margaret Murphy. [Linda O'Mahony]

Cider Wasps and Simon Community Link up for Christmas DUNGARVAN based band CIDER WASPS have linked up with The Waterford Simon Community by donating all the proceeds from their Christmas Single NO LIGHTS, NO STARS whether from sales or downloaded from iTunes. On Christmas Eve, CIDER WASPS will play a gig on Main Street in aid of The Simon Community and Limited Signed CD’s of NO LIGHTS, NO STARS will be available for €5.00 on the day.

The Simon Community are in much need of funds especially during the winter months the demand for their services increases dramatically and they require your support more than ever, they have a number of appeals on-going and would gratefully accept donations, food, warm clothing, sleeping bags and toys for their service users. Visit their website www.southeastsimon.ie or call their office on 051 872693.

Ballyduff Comhaltas CHRISTMAS CONCERT WITH CÓR FEAR NA nDÉISE CCÉ Ballyduff will be hosting a very special Christmas Concert on Saturday, December 27th, at 8.00 p.m. with Cór Fear na nDéise. Cór Fear na nDéise is an all-male choir from the Gaeltacht area of An Rinn and An Sean Phobal in Co. Waterford. The group’s main goal is to revive and reintroduce songs, poems, music and stories to today’s audiences.This choir boasts some of Ireland’s best Sean-Nós singers and a ‘slua’ of fantastic pipers, whistle players, box players, guitarists, fiddlers etc. which are central to the arrangements and performing of the songs, under the direction of Darren Ó Droma. Even though Cór Fear na nDéise is in existence just under four years they have been very busy and in great demand and have achieved quiet a lot in that short time. They have played festivals in Cork, Kerry, Carlow, Waterford and last October performed to a standing ovation at the renowned Rhosygelwin Concert Hall in Pembrokeshire,Wales.They have shared the stage with Cór Chúil Aodh,Waterford Male Choir, The Weybridge Male Voice Choir from England and CorMeibionBlaenporth from Wales.

They have also done numerous radio shows and have appeared on TV for TG4 and are central to the hugely successful ‘trad’ festival ‘Tionól Niocláis Tóibín’ held every February in An Rinn. CÓR FEAR NA nDÉISE This concert will feature many renowned musicians and singers who will perform both seasonal and traditional songs and pieces. Bookings and enquiries can be made with Thomas Hyland at 086/8208242. THE BOOLEY HOUSE AT CORRIN EVENT CENTRE The wonderful traditional show The Booley House was the main attraction at the annual Christmas Party Night in the Corrin Event Centre on Saturday, December 13th. As usual the Booley House musicians, singers and dancers gave a top class performance and our storyteller, James Lennane, was in fine form. Corrin Event Centre is a wonderful venue for a show such as this and the audience were very appreciative of the excellent performance. Indeed a great night was had by all. SEASON'S GREETINGS CCÉ Ballyduff/Ballinvilla/Ballysaggart wishes all our members and their families a very happy Christmas and peaceful New Year.


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Dungarvan Observer | Friday, 19 December, 2014

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Stradbally RENAL FUNDRAISER The recent fundraiser for Waterford Regional Renal Unit organised by the Flynn family, Cove Cottage, Stradbally was a great success. A big thanks to John and Caroline Whelan for providing their premises and Teddy and Cathal Barry for the entertainment for the event. With some great prizes in the raffle the lucky winners were: 1st prize Bernie Hayes, Co. Meath (hamper); 2nd prize Noelle Corcasden (cake); 3rd prize Tommy Brennan, Kilmessan, Co. Meath (Brandy); 4th prize Pat Duggan, Ballinter, Navan, Co. Meath (Christmas pudding). Thank you to everyone who supported the night and bought tickets. OPERATION TRANSFORMATION Stradbally Operation Transformation 2015 launches Sunday, 14th December, 2015 at 7 p.m. in Stradbally GAA Club. This year’s leaders will be introduced to those in attendance. There will also be guest speakers who will give talks on smoking cessation, fitness and exercise, nutrition and diet and mental health. The aim of the meeting is to help people to prepare for this year’s event so that they can achieve their personal goals. This year’s O.T. will raise money for the following cases. Stradbally GAA Pitch Development, Seafield National School, Our Lady of Mercy N.S., Stradbally, St. James N.S., Stradbally, Stradbally Parish, Kilmacthomas Primary

School Development. Everyone is invited to Stradbally GAA Club to support the event and raise much needed funds for the children and the future generation of the community. (Brendan Breen). MEMORIAL CHRISTMAS TREE Preparations for the Memorial Christmas Tree in Stradbally village Green have been put into motion. A tree has been erected in the village to remember our dead. A blessing of the tree will take place on Sunday, 21st December, 2014 at 5 p.m. Everyone welcome to join in carol singing and mulled wine, tea and cake to be shared by all. LOCAL SOCCER NEWS Stradbally kept themselves well involved in the business end of the league table with a 2-0 away win over Red Star on Saturday. Scorers were Paddy Kiely and Robert Finn. The U11’s had another convincing win away versus Portlaw. This keeps them top of the table at this halfway mark of the season. The Astro-turf is available to hire, contact Tadgh for time slots availability. The Kirby School of Performing Arts hosts their Christmas Show Extravaganza next Saturday evening at 7 p.m. in St. Mary’s Primary School Hall, Dungarvan. Join them for a wonderful evening’s entertainment from their students and guests. For booking contact Edgar and Jessie on 087 150 8928.

The proceeds of the Christmas Day Swim this year organised by Stradbally Soccer Club will go to the Bonmahon Lifeboat. Sponsorship cards are now available in local outlets. STRADBALLY MARKET The organisers of the Stradbally Market as a thank you to all their supporters all year held a free raffle last Saturday. Another busy market with plenty on offer to tempt the taste buds. Margaret keeps updating her stock and now has some delicious cheese scones on offer as well as the usual fruit and plain. Mary has everything you would need for Christmas as well as her bracks, tarts and sponges.There were bargains on Collette’s table with some of her beautiful cards on special offer. John was there with all sorts of sweets, fudge, chocolate, toffee, you name it, they had them. The usual supporters were enjoying the tea with turkey sandwiches, jam and scones. The winners of the free raffle were Kathleen Butler, Eileen Sheehan,The Flaherty family and Breda Power. Next Saturday, will be the last market before Christmas, so get along and get your favourites in time from 10.30 a.m. to 12.30 p.m. at the Cove Bar, Stradbally. PENITENTIAL SERVICE A Penitential Service for Christmas will be held in Faha, Stradbally and Ballylaneen Churches at all Masses this weekend, 20th and 21st December, 2014.

Light Up A Life . . . December 21st at 5.00 p.m. on Stradbally Village Green PLEASE take a moment while celebrating the festive season to think about our fiends in need. Help us light up the lives of those with life limiting illness so that they, too, can enjoy a brighter Christmas with their loving families and caregivers. The Waterford Hospice is dedicated to offering care to all those in the community needing help; giving comfort and support to relatives and fiends who are struggling emotionally. Please complete a card with a message to a loved one, family member, friend or pet.....to share the love and light up a life at Christmas. If you care to make a donation on the night…it will be gratefully received! Your cards can be dropped into the Light Up A Life basket in Cunningham's Village Store to then be hung on the Christmas Tree on the village green. At 5.00 p.m. there will be a short service followed by Christmas Carols.

'Light Up A Life' on Stradbally Village Green on December 21st at 5.00 p.m. on Stradbally Village Green t/w Mince Pies, Mulled Wine and Christmas Carol, all are welcome. If play and can bring your instrument or sing, why not join us. All in aid of Waterford Hospice. [Richard Cutbill]

Pictured outside the Sunflower Shop, the Waterford Hospice Charity Shop in Kilmacthomas, is Eileen Cookery (92).

Dungarvan Mens Shed D

UN

VAN GAR

menssheds.ie IT’S all systems go in the Men’s Shed at the moment. We made our first public appearance at Craft Fair and our craft display at the Soroptomist’s Craft Fair in Lawlors Hotel was an outstanding success and we received a great welcome on the opening night. Thanks to the generous visitors who supported us and those who were very complimentary to us over the two days. We have been very busy making wooden cribs, Christmas logs and Christmas tree metal stands to mention but a few. James Kirwan is kindly doing a powerful job wiring the Units in the main Shed. Meanwhile, Jim Egan has been busy with the woodwork class which is FETAC level 3 and supported by the Waterford Wexford ETB whose Cathleen Condon and Aine Whelan have

visited us to give us guidance for staying on track during our first ever course in the Shed. People are making their own wooden product and these are anything from a fireplace to a foot stool. Stephen Wallace is working hard in the Art and Craft Section and turning out some very nice high quality pieces indeed. Our monthly visits to our friend in the local hospital are still going strong and are very much looked forward to by both the patients and the members of the Men’s Shed. The following is a poem written by our poet Ger Dalton To all at the Men’s Shed my thanks I make clear. Good health and happiness I wish you next year I look forward to helping with projects brand new. To sharing jokes the old and the new To all happy Christmas and a happy new year To all at the Men’s Shed your pressies right here. At this stage we would like to wish all our supporters, family and friends a very Healthy and Holy Christmas.

Kilmac CAR WASH Bill's Car Wash, Fews, will take place on Saturday, 20th December in aid of St. Vincent de Paul. All support and donations appreciated. Teas, coffee and mince pies. An offer like this only to be had in Few's. Have a nice clean car for Christmas. CHRISTMAS MASS TIMES Times of your Christmas Masses in the Parish, Christmas Eve, Saleen at 6.00 p.m., Kilmacthomas at 6.30 p.m., Newtown Parish

Church 9.00 p.m. and Kill 9.00 p.m. Christmas morning Kilmacthomas 10.00 a.m., Kill 10.00 a.m. and Newtown 11.30 a.m. St. Stephen’s Day Mass in Kilmacthomas and Kill both at 11.00 a.m. No Mass in Newton on St. Stephen’s Day. BABY GIRL Congratulations to Mary and Mike Byrne, Old Road, Kilmacthomas on the birth of their second child, a little baby sister Alana for James.

Mary Daly and Liz Taylor with the ice cream children James and Lily-May Taylor at Dungarvan Shopping Centre’s 10th Birthday. [Richard Cutbill]


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COUNTY NEWS

Dungarvan Observer | Friday, 19 December, 2014

Nótaí na Gaeltachta West Waterford le Comhlucht Forbartha na nDéise BÍ LINN DON SNÁMH CINN BLIANA – SCOIL NÁISIÚNTA NA RINNE Ar feadh 20 bliana tá muintir na Rinne ‘s a gcuid gcáirde ag dul ag snámh sa Chóbh in Heilbhic ar Lá Coille. An mbeidh tú leo i mbliana? Fáilte is fiche roimh éinne gur mhaith leo ‘snámh’ ar an lá, nó bheith linn chun tacaíocht a thabhairt dóibh! Ina dhiadh an snámh ag Tigh Mhuirithe beidh nua gach bí agus sean gach dí, chomhluadar, cupán anrath, ceapairί agus ceol. Siúl againn le slua mór arís i mbliana. Go deimhin is taitneamhach an rud, seasamh siar agus faire ar shlua cróga tumadh isteach san fharraige ar mhaithe na scoile i lár an ghemridh! Beidh crannchur ullmhór i dTigh Mhuirithe freisin agus is féidir ticéid a cheannach ann ar an lá, nó roimhré ó Choiste na dTuismitheoirί. Tá cártaί urraίochta snámha le fail ó Sonia 087 9402870 nó soniahyoung@hotmail.com. Munar bhfuil cárta agat is féidir an tairgead a thabhairt ar an lá. For 20 years now the community in An Rinn and their friends have been taking to the water in the Cove, Helvick for the annual New Years Day sponsored swim. This year we invite you to consider being there either braving the water yourself, or joining us in supporting those who do! Afterwards, all are welcome to join us in Murray’s Pub for soup and sandwiches and other warming beverages, while we listen to the páistí from Hulaí playing some lovely tunes! We’re hoping for another big crowd again this year who will enjoy standing back and watching the brave souls dive into the cold seas of the winter for the sake of our school. Our Monster Raffle will be held in Murray’s afterwards and tickets can be bought on the day or before from any member of the Parent’s committee. Swim sponsorship cards are available from Sonia 087 9402870 or soniahyoung@hotmail.com. All donations can be gathered on the day also. AISTEOIRÍ AN tSEAN PHOBAIL Cogar, ar chuala tú go bhfuil na hAisteoirí i mbun cleachtaidh arís?! Tá na línte á fhoghlaim is na boird á bhualadh i Halla Colmán na hoícheanta seo agus léiriúchán Béarla an séasúir á chur i gcóir. Deirtear go bhfuil dráma fuirseoireachta ag an ngrúpa an uair seo le mórchuid castaí is lúb sa scéal agus ní gá rá gur iomaí gáir is gíog a bheidh le baint as an léiriúcháin! Níl aon dáta socraithe go fóill ach tá sé de rún ag na hAisteoirí a bheith ag tabhairt chun stáitse go luath san athbhliain. Bí ag faire! Pssst, have you heard that the Aisteoirí are in rehearsal again?! The lines are in full flow once more in Halla Colmán as the group prepare for this season’s English language production. Word has it that this play is a comedy with more twists and turns than a bag of corkscrews! No date has been finalised yet, but rumour has it that the Aisteoirí plan to take the stage early in the new year.

An cócaire áitiúil Alan Blakley i mbun taispeántais cócaireachta ag Brownes Farmhouse. Watch this space! and Spag Aloo. Brownes Farn CEOLCHOIRM – House offers self catering SEIRBHÍS IARSCOILE accommodation for groups of Beidh ceolchoirm ar siúl sa up to 13 people. We specialize Halla Pobail sa Rinn an Aoine in family reunions, as well as seo, 19 Nollaig, ag tosnú ag groups of friends getting 7.00 i.n. Tá obair iontach together for a few days. Now déanta ag na páistí agus na taking bookings for 2015. hoidí le cúpla seachtain anuas Follow us on Facebook or agus tá taispeántas den scoth www.selfcateringdungarvan.co geallta ar an oíche. Fáilte roimh m chách. DRAÍOCHT NA The afterschool service in NOLLAG AG DÁNLANN An Rinn have put together a JOAN CLANCY Christmas show, which will Is fiú go mór cuairt a a thabtake place in the Halla this hairt ar Dhánlann Joan Clancy Friday at 7.00 p.m., all are wel- i Maoil a’ Chóirne sa Rinn don come to attend. taispeántas is déanaí, dár teideal CAIRDE NA ‘Draíocht na Nollag. Tá píosaí GAELTACHTA den scoth ann ó Arthur Bhí dinnéar na Nollag Maderson, Andrea Jameson, againn an tseachtain seo caite, Katarzyna Gajewska, Blawnin míle buíochas don Linn Bhuí as Clancy, Dave West, Rosemary béile an-bhlasta. Beimid ag Gaynor agus Rayleen Clancy. bualadh le chéile arís ar an Beidh an taispeántas ag oscailt gcéad Mháirt de mhí Feabhra. an deireadh seachtaine seo, 20 Cairde na Gaeltachta agus 21 Nollaig. Beidh sé enjoyed a great Christmas din- oscailte gach lá óna 11 – 5 agus ner last week, with thanks to an is féidir coinne speisialta a Linn Bhuí for a great meal. We dhéanamh lasmuigh de na will be meeting up again on hamanna sin. the first Tuesday of February. Draiocht na Nollag the CUMANN STAIRE AGUS Christmas exhibition in Joan OIDHREACHTA NA Clancy Gallery in GAELTACHTA Mweelahorna, An Rinn in the Bhí ócáid an-dheas i West Waterford Gaeltacht is an Newtown School i bPort exciting showcase of fine art Láirge le déanaí nuair a bhronn by Arthur Maderson, Andrea Cumann Staire agus Jameson, Katarzyna Gajewska, Oidhreachta na Gaeltachta Blawnin Clancy, Dave West, píosa ealaíne ar Chumann na Rosemary Gaynor and gCarad mar chuimhne ar an Rayleen Clancy. “...Joan gcabhair a thug siad do mhuinClancy is an insightful owner of tir na Rinne aimsir an Ghorta. a renowned art gallery which Ba í Bríd Uí Chionnfhaolaidh showcases some of the couna dhein dearadh ar an bpíosa try's best painters...” fíor álainn. Nationwide RTE 1. The The local Gaeltacht History exhibition opened last and Heritage Association made Thursday week, December 4th, a presentation to the Quakers and runs again this weekend: in Newtown School recently, Dec 20-21, open 11am – 5pm in recognition of the assistance each of those days and also by they gave to the people in an appointment. Joan Clancy Rinn at the time of the Gallery is located near Ring Famine. Bríd Uí College (Coláiste na Rinne) Chionnfhaolaidh worked on a and the Cunnigar, 10k south of piece of art that showed Baile Dungarvan in An Rinn overna nGall as a fishing village at looking the stunning panorama the time. of Dungarvan Bay and the BROWNES FARM Comeragh Mountains. Further HOUSE, AN SEAN info from Joan: 086 813 4597 PHOBAL or info@joanclancygallery.com Bhí oíche iontach NAÍONRA AN tSEAN cócaireachta againn le déanaí, PHOBAIL / LIOS NA mar chuid de shraith imeachtaí SÍOG an gheimhridh. Bhí cócaire Tá cead ag páiste tosnú ag áitiúil, Alan Blakely linn chun freastal ar Naíonra an tSean taispeántas iontach a Phobail tar éis na Nollag ar an dhéanamh. Beidh a thuilleadh 5ú Eanáir, 2015. Caithfidh an imeachtaí ar siúl againn sa bhli- páiste a bheith 3 bliana d'aois ain nua. roimh an 1ú Samhain, 2014. We had a fantastic night at Tuilleadh eolais ó Seosaimhthín Brownes Farm House in Old ar 058 46622. Parish last Tuesday as part of A child may start attending our winter events series. We Naíonra an tSean Phobail after had a cookery demonstration Christmas on 5th January, with local chef Alan Blakely. 2014. The child must be 3 Plenty of finger food, punch for years before 1st November, the season that is in it and take 2014. Further information home packs of Fish Chowder from Seosaimhthín at 058

46622. Crannchur na Nollag Beidh Crannchur do chiseán lán le de rudaí deasa don Nollag ar siúl sa Naíonra ar an 17 Nollag. Tá ticeidí le fáil ón Naíonra. 1 ticéid - €2, 3 ticéid - €5. SEIRBHÍS DOCHTÚRA Beidh an Dr. Gráinne Ní Fhoghlú thar n-ais ag feidhmiú ó Ionad Pobail na Rinne gach Máirt agus Déardaoin ó 9-11 ar maidin ón gcéad seachtain i mí Eanáir ar aghaidh. Dr. Gráinne Ní Fhoghlú will be available for appointments in the Health Centre in Ionad Pobail na Rinne on Tuesday and Thursday mornings from 9.00 a.m. – 11.00 a.m., from the first week in January. TOGHA AN BHAILE DVD Tá an dvd den oíche ar fáil anois sa Siopa Spar. €5 atá ar an dvd iontach seo a thugann blaiseadh iontach den oíche a bhí againn i rith an tsamhraidh. The dvd of ‘Togha an Bhaile’ is now for sale in Spar, €5 per copy. IONAD SÓ – AR OSCAILT ARÍS Tá an Ionad Só ag oscailt arís ón Aoine seo caite agus beidh gach Aoine feasta óna 6 – 8 sa tráthnóna. Beidh clárú ar siúl ar an oíche, €20 don duine don bhliain seo, chun árachas srl. a chlúdach. Beidh amchlár d’imeachtaí eagraithe don téarma agus fáilte roimh dhéagóirí uile an pharóiste. The Ionad Só, drop in centre for teenagers, is now open on Fridays from 6.00 p.m. - 8.00 p.m. All teenagers between 13 and 18 are welcome to attend. A timetable of events will be drawn up for the term. PÁIRC UILE AIMSIRE Is féidir an pháirc uile aimsire a chur in áirithe tré glaoch a chur ar Ann Hogan ar 0861655137. Leis na hoícheanta ag teacht dorcha, áis iontach ar fad atá againn anseo. The all-weather pitch in An Sean Phobal can be booked by calling Ann Hogan on 0861655137 CUMANN NAOMH UINSEANN DE PÓL / SVP Má theastaíonn ó éinne teagmháil a dhéanamh le Cumann Naomh Uinseann de Pól sa cheantar, is féidir teacht orthu ag (058) 46125 nó 0851520494. The contact numbers for the An Rinn / An Sean Phobal branch of St Vincent de Paul are (058) 46125 nó 0851520494. MEÁIN SHÓISIALTA / TEAGMHÁIL / CONTACT Is féidir an nuacht is déanaí agus eolas faoi imeachtaí a bheidh ar siúl sa Rinn agus sa Seanphobal ar an leathnach Facebook atá ag an gComhlucht Forbartha – www.facebook.com/comhlucht.forbartha agus táimid ar fáil ar twitter anois chomh maith – @cfdeise. If anybody has events / news to be included in Nótaí na Gaeltachta, seol iad chuig cfdeise@gmail.com nó 05846664.

CLASHMORE – KINSALEBEG LADIES FOOTBALL Club Sportswear: Want to buy a special present for the club member in your life or just want to up date your sports wear. Clashmore Kinsalebeg Ladies Football has a great range of club sports wear for sale. Choose from our ladies football range of shorts, socks, polo shirts, hoodies, pink club jersey and hat, any item would make an ideal Christmas present. If you are interested please contact Helena. BIRTHDAY GREETINGS A very happy 21st birthday to Seamus O’Neill, Ardsallagh Clashmore, who celebrated his birthday with family and friends last weekend in Clashmore Congratulations and best wishes to you Seamus from all your family and friends. GET WELL WISHES Our very good wishes for a speedy recovery to Kay Allen, Kinsalebeg who is recovering from a hip replacement surgery, hope to see you out and about soon Kay. CLASHMORE TIDY TOWNS ASSOCIATION As 2014 comes to an end we wish to reflect on what was a very successful year for our Association. We were lucky enough to receive a very positive report from the Tidy Town's Judging Panel this year which was our first year entering the competition since 2010 which gives us a great platform to work from and improve going forward into 2015. And for this we want to sincerely thank all of our volunteers, our dedicated team of CE Scheme workers and anyone else who helped out or supported our efforts in any way during the year. Finally, we want to wish you all very happy Christmas and a prosperous New Year! TROCAIRE MISSION Welcome back to Mary Dee, Aglish, who has recently spent ten days in Ethiopia on a Diocesan Mission with Trocaire. Mary was part of a mission that visited Trocaire Projects in Ethiopia that will be the focus of the Lenten campaign during 2015. There were seven dioceses represented on the trip. The Diocese of Waterford & Lismore will be a focus diocese for the forthcoming Lenten campaign, so we are looking forward to hearing Mary’s stories during this time. Mary had the privilege of spending time with Mahlet & her family, the girl that will feature on the 2015 Trocaire box. CLASHMORE 45 DRIVE We begin our weekly report from the Clashmore 45 drive on a note of sadness as we extend deepest sympathy to the Prendergast Family, Cappoquin on the death of Johnny. Johnny Prendergast who died on Wednesday last was in his 101st year, up to a few years ago was a regular at the 45 drive here in Clashmore. Reposing at Aidan Walsh & Sons Funeral Home, Cappoquin. Johnny’s removal took place on Friday evening to St. Carthage’s Church, Lismore. Following requiem Mass on Saturday morning Johnny was laid to rest in St. Carthage’s Cemetery, may he rest in peace. Our weekly Clashmore 45 Drive took place at the Decies Bar on - Monday night last, our top prize winners this week on nine games were Martin Lynch and Pat Roche. In second on eight games we had Podge Cunningham and Maurice Ledingham. Jointly in third place on six games we had Roger Hynes and Eugene O’Halloran, Roger Ledingham and Anne Ledingham; Michael and Mairead Fahey. Best of the last five Noel Nugent and Edmond Og Ledingham. Our lucky last game winners were Tom Osbourne and John Motherway, John Hynes and Mike Hunt. Well done to all our winners and thanks to everyone for your support – cards again next Monday night. Aine and all the staff of the Decies wish you all a very happy Christmas.

CLASHMORE / KINSALEBEG GAA LOTTO JACKPOT €3,400 Our weekly Clashmore /Kinsalebeg GAA Lotto draw took place on Monday night, our four numbers were 11, 13, 22, 27 we had no match four ticket. Next week’s jackpot will be €3,400 when our draw takes place at The Rising Sun, Clashmore.Well done to the following who were the lucky winners of €20 spot prizes: Carmel & M. Flynn, Monatrea; Jack Draddy, Meenoughten; Assumpta Dalton; Roger O’Halloran; Aine Curran. Next week is our special Christmas Draw and we will have ten prizes of €50 each to be won on our lucky spot prize winners. Thanks as always to all our supporters. CLASHMORE RAMBLERS ALPHA LOTTO DRAW Sunday, December 14th Here are the results of the weekly Clashmore Ramblers Alpha Lotto Draw which took place in last Sunday night, December 14th. The letters drawn E,V, J and O.We had no jackpot winner. so next Sunday night’s jackpot will be €3,750. €20 each went to: Katie Ormond, Clashmore; Eamon Foley, Piltown; Catherine Foley, Piltown. CHRISTMAS LOTTO Our Christmas special lotto will take place on Sunday, December 21st if the jackpot is not won €500 will be taken out of the jackpot and it will be given out in prizes of 1 x €100, 1 x €75, 4 x €50, 5 x 25. If the lotto is won then 5 x €30 to be given out also in this Christmas special. CHRISTMAS HAMPER DRAW Our annual Christmas hamper draw takes place this week with four hampers to be won plus other prizes lines, €2 each or 3 for €5. Thanks to all our friends for your continued support. BINGO Come join us for a game of bingo on Sunday nights, our clubs Bingo takes place here in Kinsalebeg, community Hall, starting at 8 o’clock each week, your support would be very much appreciated. PARISH OF AGLISH/ BALLINAMEELA/MOUNT STUART Care and Share Masses: Our care and share masses were held last weekend. Our thanks to all who brought gifts Mass for the intentions of all will be offered Reconciliation masses for Christmas: The following are the times for reconciliation masses in the parish of Aglish/Ballinameela/Mount Stuart for Christmas. Ballinameela Wednesday 17th at 7.15 p.m. Aglish – Friday 19th at 7.15 p.m. Masses for Christmas: Vigil Masses on Christmas Eve - Wednesday, December 24th:- Aglish – 6.00 p.m. Ballinameela 7.45 p.m. Christmas Day – Thursday, December 25th: Mount Stuart 9.45 p.m. Aglish 11.00 a.m. St. Stephen’s Day – Friday, December 26th: Aglish – 11.00 a.m. New Years Eve - Wednesday December 31st: Aglish – 11.00 a.m. Feast of the Baptism: On Sunday, January 11th, the feast of the Baptism, parents who had children baptised in the parish during 2014 will be invited to bring their children for a special blessing at the 11.00 a.m. Mass. CLASHMORE - KINSALEBEG JUVENILE GAA On Sunday evening Clashmore – Kinsalebeg Juvenile GAA hosted their annual social and medal presentation evening in the club house in Clashmore Well done to all concerned in the organisation of it, what a lovely evening we all had. A big thank you to our special guest Tadgh Bourke who presented all the young players with their medals all who provided the refreshments and anyone who helped in any way.


Dungarvan Observer | Friday, 19 December, 2014

COUNTY NEWS

45 SCOIL GHARBHAIN

“Too Cold For Sharks“ Jenny Nic Bhloscaidh

Villierstown Boating Club Group

Villierstown JACK THE JOKER Jack the Joker draw took place on Saturday night last in An Cruiscín Lán and €50 was won by the Sam Lombard, with Card Number 42, the Four of Spades. Congratulations Sam. Jackpot next week is €1,000. Next Saturdays draw is the last before Christmas. So as a special Christmas treat there will be 5 extra draws each winning €20. Remember if you are not in … you can’t win. This is a joint community fundraiser. Tickets can be bought locally. VILLIERSTOWN GIRL FUNDRAISER – HOPE FOUNDATION A fun family PUB QUIZ is being held in An Cruiscín Lan on Sunday, 28th December, to raise funds for Emma Dwyer’s volunteer work next March to Calcutta with the Hope Foundation. Emma is a local transition year student in Blackwater Community School.The Hope Foundation is a children’s charity targeting slum and street children. It’s a reflective time of year and its worth remembering that not all children are cherished as ours are.This is possibly what the true Christmas spirit is all about. A time of sharing and giving to those less fortunate than ourselves.This should be a fun family evening out and individual guests are invited as table groups will be arranged on the night. Table of 4 - €20. Raffle and spot prizes on the evening including a spectacular Waterford crystal bowl. Check out Emma’s “My Charity .ie” fundraising page, search Emma Dwyers fundraising page in aid of the hope foundation. CHRISTMAS CAROL SERVICE It was quite an emotional evening last Friday as our local choirs sung renditions of old and new Christmas carols. Young Ally Landers solo was just lovely. The atmosphere of the church was enhanced by a lovely Christmas tree and the festive treats at the intermission only added to the evening.

NEW UNDERGROUND GRID LINK A new Grid Link option is to be published alongside an overhead route corridor next year. CRAFTY CRAFTERS These ladies finished their autumn term last Monday with an evening out in “An Cruiscín Lan”. They spent the term being tutored by Áine from the Lismore Quilt Company and some of the group finished spectacular pieces, some quilts, some cushions, some just squares … There are always some in the group who just won’t put in the effort … Anyway the Crafters will resume in the New Year on Monday, 9th February. VILLIERSTOWN BOATING CLUB Last Sunday saw the last sailing lesson for this group. Well done to all who arrived each Sunday, hail, rain or sunshine. A lot of very enthusiastic novice sailors took to the River Blackwater on Sunday to pass their last practical test and enjoy the thrill of solo sailing. A large group arrived on the quay as usual to watch the proceedings and everyone enjoyed a well-deserved festive breakfast at the Clubhouse. The Club is holding a Christmas Cruise on the river on Sunday, 28th December, starting at 10.00 a.m. (Tides dictate this) Remember your boat has to be in the water by that time so give yourself plenty of time.We would love to see all members with any craft joining in this activity. It will be followed by a fun breakfast at the Clubhouse. SHOP LOCAL This is a new section of the column so if anyone has a small local business, craft workshop, or any up-and-coming enterprise just let me know and it would be a pleasure to include it. Ross B Kitchen & Foodstore – We make getting healthy food simple. Main Street,Villierstown. HEADRUSH, our local hair salon in Dromana. Jacky Nugent of Dromana, Cappoquin opens her hair salon Monday, Thursday, Friday and Saturday. Contact –

087-6891976. Povey Design – A Povey bag or accessory, designed and handmade in Villierstown. Great Christmas gift inspirations for all ages. www.povey.ie Sweet Treat’s by Tory. How lucky are we in Villierstown to have such delicious treats daily baked by Tory for us to enjoy. Tory is now taking orders for Christmas cakes, Christmas puddings and all the sweet treats required over Christmas. Main Street, Villierstown. FIRE SAFETY Check your Christmas tree lights comply with the industry standards. Never place a candle near your Christmas tree or decorations. Don’t overload electrical sockets. Switch off Christmas tree lights before going out or going to bed. PILATE CLASSES Resuming on Monday, 12th January. Contact Carol: 087- 6635465. COUNTY WATERFORD COMMUNITY BASED DRUGS INITIATIVE This initiative has a free, confidential, open access service. Contact:-Tracey Nugent on 087-9676439. SAFE TALK If you need someone to talk to or just needs someone to listen. We are lucky in Villierstown to have a trained “Safe Talk councillor.” Call Carol on:- 087- 6635465. I NEED YOUR HELP If any group or individual has anything they would like to be include in these notes, just let me know. Remember if I don’t know what’s happening I can’t include it. All local news very welcome. Wishing everyone a lovely Christmas with family and friends. THOUGHT OF THE WEEK The main reason Santa is so jolly is because he knows where all the bad girls live. CHILDREN’S CHRISTMAS JOKE Q.-What do you get when you cross Santa with a duck. A.-A Christmas Quacker.

Just think of it! “WHAT do you want now?” It’s not too difficult to visualise an exasperated parent thinking, or even saying, that to their child as they see the offspring approaching them. At this time of the year Santa isn’t the only one getting begging letters. In our use of prayer, we’re pretty good at asking too. After all, Jesus told us to ask, and promised that we would receive. Mind you, what we receive isn’t always what we asked for: but that’s for another day.We’re quite right asking our heavenly Father for our various needs, but it’s important to be ready to recognise that God’s answer may sometimes be in disguise, a genuine answer but not exactly in the shape we had requested.

But the point I would like to stress is that there can be other reasons for praying to God besides just asking for something. It is right and proper that we should also praise God, acknowledge God’s power and love, thank him for his goodness. This is another reason for recommending the Book of Psalms as being a treasure trove of prayerful ideas and phrases. I opened this book just now at random, and the first sentence that caught my eye was “Ring out your joy to the Lord. O you just, for praise is fitting for loyal hearts”. (Ps.32). Psalm 88 starts this way: “I will sing forever of your love, O Lord, through all ages my mouth will proclaim your truth. Of this I am sure, that your love lasts

forever”. If you’re keen on the importance of the environment, then Psalm 103 is right up your street. “Bless the Lord, my soul! Lord God, how great you are, clothed in majesty and glory, wrapped in light as in a robe”. This Psalm then goes on to praise the wonders of nature and the way these wonders show the variety and beauty of God’s creation. Praising God increases our love of him and reinforces the reasons for trusting God’s care of us and God’s power to help us. Fr. Robert Arthure, Cappoquin, Co. Waterford.

BHÍ lá iontach ag Jenny, a Dad Martin, Múinteoir Lorcán agus Múinteoir Silvia nuair a seoladh leabhar iontach ‘Too Cold for Sharks’ i bPáirc an Chrócaigh le deanai. Scríobh agus dhear Jenny agus grúpa de dhaoine óga an leabhar suimiúil seo le linn ceardlinne scríbhneoireachta agus ealaíne. Bhuaigh Jenny duais liteartha an samhradh seo caite i gcomórtas ar cuireadh ar bun ag ‘Sábháilteacht Mara na hÉireann’. Mar chuid den duais d’fhreastail sí ar cheardlann ealaíne agus scríbhneoireachta i Kilmore Quay Meitheamh seo caite. Bhí Ceardlainn den tsaghas seo ar bun ar fud na tíre in áiteanna móra iascaireachta ar nós Na Ceala Beaga agus Binn Éadair. Bailíodh cnuasach oibre ó na páistí go léir sna ceardlanna agus cuireadh iad ar fad in aon leabhar amháin. Is Gerald Nash Aire gnó agus fostaíochta agus Simon Coveney Aire Talamhaíochta agus Mara a sheoil an leabhar. Comhgháirdeachas Jenny agus go raibh mile maith agat, bhí lá iontach againn go léir.

“TOO COLD FOR SHARKS” SAYS JENNY NÍ BHLOSCAIDH. Jenny, her Dad Martin, Múinteoir Lorcán and Múinteoir Silvia enjoyed a fantastic afternoon at the book launch of ‘Too Cold for Sharks’ in Croke Park recently. Jenny and a group of young authors wrote and illustrated this interesting book during writing and Art workshops. We were delighted when it was announced that Jenny had won a prize in a competition hosted by Ocean Safety last June. As part of the prize Jenny attended a writing and Art workshop in Kilmore Quay in Wexford. Similar workshops were held all over the Country in our main fishing ports i.e. Howth and Killybegs. The children’s work was then collected and compiled in a fabulous book called ‘Too Cold for Sharks’ The book was launched by Gerald Nash, the minister for Business and Employment and Simon Coveney the minister for Agriculture and the Marine. Congratulations and thank you Jenny, we had a wonderful afternoon.

Jenny Nic Bhloscaidh ag an seoladh leabhar 'Too Cold For Sharks I bPáirc an Chrócaigh le déanaí i dteannta le Dad Martin, Múinteoir Lorcán agus Múinteoir Silvia.

St. Mary’s Parish Church, Dungarvan 2 Samuel 7:1-5, 8-12.14-16: The Kingdom of David will always stand secure before the Lord. Romans 16:25-27: The mystery, which was kept secret for endless ages, is now clear. Luke 1:26-38: Listen! You are to conceive and bear a son. A Prayer for Advent 2014 Waiting for … Jesus. God of Hope, I await your Presence Enter into my heart. Enter into my mind. Enter into the hearts of those I love. Enter into the hearts of those who are lonely at this time. Enter into the hearts of the homeless who live on our streets. Enter into the hearts of those who are ill. Enter into the hearts of the people in my community God of Hope, I await your Presence Final Advent gatherings in the Friary House on Wednesdays next 7.30 p.m. 9.00 p.m. Exposition of the Blessed Sacrament will take place in St. Mary’s Church Blessed Sacrament Chapel on Saturdays 11.30 a.m. – 3.30 p.m. Blessed Sacrament Chapel will be closed from Monday, 22nd December, 2014 to Monday, 12th January, 2015 (inclusive). Resumes Tuesday, 13th January, 2015. The Advent Penance Service in preparation for Christmas will be celebrated in St. Mary’s on Monday, December 22nd at 7.30 p.m. An opportunity to prepare for Christmas with the Carmelite Nuns,

Tallow on Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday of this week from 7.30 p.m. to 8.45 p.m. The Advent Penance Service in preparation for Christmas will be celebrated in St. Mary’s on Monday, December 22nd at 7.30 p.m. The Meaning of Marriage: Copies of this Pastoral Statement of the Irish Catholic Bishops’ Conference is now available in parishes. “Marriage is a unique relationship different from all others for a reason”. catholicbishops.ie St. Mary’s Parish Augustinian Friary Dungarvan Pilgrimage to Lourdes/Loyola/Garabandal: 2nd - 9th August, 2015. Please contact Margaret 05843015 or Noel 058-44350. Parish Office: Located in St. Mary’s Church and is open Monday to Friday office hours. If you want to book Masses or Baptisms call during these times. Phone 42374. Daily Mass broadcast on 98.5 FM. Phone No: Fr. Ryan 42374; Fr. Harris 42384, Fr. Cooney 41136. St. Vincent de Paul Helpline No. 0877747870. Emergency Phone No: To contact Priest on duty: 086-2334282. Weekday Masses: Please note that on the occasion of funerals in St. Mary’s Church, there will only be one morning Mass at 11.00am. (No 9.30 a.m. Mass). Masses already booked on those occasions will be rescheduled for the next available time.


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COUNTY NEWS

Dungarvan Observer | Friday, 19 December, 2014

Deise Aid 2014 Do They Know It’s Christmas CD Launch Deise Aid ’14, the brainchild of Curtain Call Production’s Kris Cowming, is an initiative to record a specially rewritten version of Do They Know It’s Christmas to raise funds for Pieta House, Waterford and Our Lady’s Children’s Hospital, Crumlin. Kris thought up the idea just a week or two ago, and trojan work has gone in behind the scenes in the interim to bring his idea to fruition in a very short space of time. After a fantastic rehearsal last Wednesday night, led by Musical Director John Stack, the recording took place in Claycastle Recording Studio in Youghal last Saturday. John also rewrote some of the lyrics to add special meaning and poignancy to this iconic song, to reach out to those suffering from depression and mental illness in our society. Kris was inundated with offers from across the community from people wanting to get involved in this project. Within a matter of hours, he had assembled a group of over 30 people to sing on the CD. Thanks to the following for volunteering both their time and their vocal talents to sing an individual line: Aaron Cowming, Elaine Cummins, Clinton Cunnage, Paula Cunningham, Holly Dwyer, Jess Dwyer, Blathnaid Foley, Natanya Geoghegan, Mary Kelly, Keelin McGinn, Sharon McGuire, Hugh O’Donnell, Patrick O’Dwyer, Aoife O’Mahony, Raymond Tobin, Owen Simms, Tony Wall and Anna Young and to the wonderful “chorus” of Debbie Collins, Kris Cowming, Michael Cowming, Nicola Cowming, Sinead Crowther, Clare Denmead, Michael Drummy, Adrienne Fitzpatrick, Damien Geoghegan, Marlene Kirby, Trish Jeanes, Tara McAndrew, Liam McDonnell, Fidelma Meaney and Alice O’Connor. Huge thanks to all the gang at Claycastle Recording Studios. They were brilliant, and everything ran so smoothly, even if they were invaded by over 30 people on the day, excited to be recording their first single! And we’re deeply indebted to Mar & Johnnie Dwyer from the fabulous TFlag Café in Ardmore who

sent over trays and trays of food to keep the troupes fed during the long afternoon in the recording studio. This was so very much appreciated and a lovely, kind gesture from good friends of Curtain Call and Deise Aid. We’re extremely grateful to Marc Daly and Dungarvan & West Waterford Chamber of Commerce for kindly allowing us to use the images shot around our beautiful town since the launch of Dungarvan Aglow 2014. These images beautifully capture the festive spirit, and make for a very eye-catching cover. The CD will be officially launched in The Moorings, Dungarvan on Saturday, 20th December. Marie Quinn and family have kindly offered to host the launch and local band The KJB will be playing (both Kris Cowming and John Stack are members!) on the night, so a great night is in store. All are welcome! The CD will be available, costing just €5, in many outlets around Dungarvan, the west of the county and Waterford City by Friday, 19th December. The list is growing all the time, so keep an eye on the Curtain Call Productions Dungarvan Facebook page facebook.com/CCPDungar van for details. So far, the list of places you can buy the CD includes: Albert McGrath’s Newsagents, Mitchell St; Bygone Times, Mary St; Nude Food, O’Connell St; Ben O’Neill’s, O’Connell St; John Walsh’s Spar, O’Connell St; Maurice Butler, O’Connell St; Ned Whelan’s Newsagents, O’Connell St; The Shamrock Restaurant, O’Connell St; Printmaster, Westgate Business Park; Genoa’s, Grattan Square; Wozza Menswear, Grattan Square; Nagle’s Bar, Grattan Square; The Lady Belle, Grattan Square; The Welcome Inn, Cappagh; The Mooring’s Bar, Davitt’s Quay; Dan McCarthy Paints, Main St and Season’s, Main St. Thank you to all the local businesses who have gotten behind this fundraiser, and a special word of thanks to the local papers, The Dungarvan Observer and The Dungarvan Leader, and to WLR for their unstinting support. There is also a video

being produced to accompany the single – this will feature messages of hope from many of those singing on the CD and we’re delighted that Mags O’Connor and Martin Veale were able to join us in this production. Both are very

well-known speakers and activists locally, raising awareness of the supports available for those suffering from depression and mental illness, so their participation in this project really means a lot. We’re indebted to Kieran

McCarthy for filming and producing this video for us. Check out the Curtain Call Productions Facebook page or YouTube for details. We say a huge “thank you” to all the individuals and businesses who have donated to help us cover the

costs of producing the CD and video, ensuring that even more of the proceeds raised will go to Pieta House, Waterford and Our Lady’s Children’s Hospital, Crumlin, two very worthy causes close to the hearts of many in our community.

And if anyone would like to make a separate donation or offer to sell the CD on our behalf, please contact us on 087-3812028, message us on facebook.com/ CCPDungarvan or email us on ccpdungarvan@hotmail.com.


COUNTY NEWS

Dungarvan Observer | Friday, 19 December, 2014

47

Dungarvan Singers Club - Review of the Year

David Power

Donal Clancy

The Voice Squad

Rattlesnake Annie

THE Dungarvan Singers Club has been going now for seven or eight years and, especially recently, has been going from strength to strength. We started in Bridie Dee’s under Eamonn O Mairtin’s patronage and initially were quite small in number. Over the last year in particular, we had some simply wonderful nights under the patronage of the owners of our new venue, Dillon’s Bar. Both Brian and Yvonne have gone out of their way to make us feel welcome and in particular the room itself, the reception room at the back of Dillons is an ideal space for our endeavours with simply superb acoustics and loads of room for audience members and performers alike. In January, we had the great Dónal Clancy who is fast taking his own father Liam’s place as the foremost ballad singer in the country, if not the world. In February, we had Aodán Ó Ceallaigh, one of the foremost sean nós singers who has won and is daily winning acclaim in the Oireachtas, and bringing glory to this region already famed for sean nós singing. John Nyhan guested in March and gave us a wonderful folk club night rooted in the great tradition of the 1960’s folk revival in London and in Greenwich village in New York. Another one of our great local sean nós stars appeared in April, our own Seán MacCraith, now such an integral part of the Dungarvan Singers Club and doing sterling work for us on a daily basis. Another local hero, also related to the great Clancy Dynasty, Ryland Teifi from Wales, married to Roisin Clancy, graced us with his illustrious presence in May and was vastly entertaining across a whole spectrum of art and culture, acting, speaking, playing and of course singing. In June, we had the wonderful Johnny Moynihan from Sweeney’s Men, Planxty and De Danann. Johnny, of course, will be with us again in Tig an Cheoil on the 31st January along with his buddies Andy Irvine and Terry Woods (ex Woods Band, ex Steeleye Span, ex-Pogues!!). This grouping is the great Sweeney’s Men now reformed; one of the most influential Irish folk bands. Rattlesnake Annie a huge international star from Tennessee paid us a visit in July. She was just astonishingly good and brought our biggest crowd ever. In August, we had the wonderful sister duo from Lismore, Becky and Ellen McCloskey of Booley House fame and also later in the month, our own Maria Condon - a simply super soprano who gave a sublime operatic recital the like of which I haven’t seen in ages.

Some of the unique and locally designed and produced Christmas Cards and Posters available for sale from Dungarvan Singers Club.

The great Len Graham, the Elvis of traditional singing as I call him called in for a return visit in September, and as usual, he won everybody’s heart with warm, flexible emotional singing. Later that month we had a return visit from the great local Déise Irish language male choir Cór bhFear na nDéise. Such power, harmony and verve in their singing and great craic as well. In October, we had a member of the Voice Squad - the electrifying high tenor of the group, Fran McPhail. What a nice man, a gentleman and a lovely person even apart from being simply one of the most able solo singers I’ve heard! This was his first solo gig for 30 years, but it didn’t show, and he enjoyed it so much it has started him off anew on his solo career, singing since then in the Kinvara Club! In November, we had yet another local legend(s), the Coffey Sisters, again a rare trio appearance for them and it was similarly so successful that they came back to us for a repeat performance, due to huge public demand. We completed our end of year Harmony Section in December with a wonderful acapella gospel group from North Cork, Grown Men/Jacobs Ladder. We also launched David Power’s new CD. David is a simply outstanding musician on the uilleann pipes, but he also plays fiddle and tin whistle and sings. David’s launch was extremely successful and was yet another highlight of 2014. Apart from the regular monthly guests in Dillons, in 2014 Dungarvan Singers Club has expanded its activities and now holds concerts in Tigh an Cheoil, Baile na nGall, Ring where this year already we featured simply amazing performances by the John Lowell Band from Montana - a great bluegrass group; Martin Gilmore, a solo singer/songwriter from Wyoming; the marvellous Martin Hayes with our local hero David Power;

Jesse Smith and Harry Bradley with our other local hero Caoimhín Ó Fearghail; and last, but definitely not least, the incredible Voice Squad, just two weeks ago. This concert alone would have justified the setting up of the Singers Club – people are still talking and will be forever in my opinion, of how dreamlike and transcendentally beautiful their performance in Tigh an Cheoil was; definitely one of the cultural highlights of the entire year! For the concerts in Tigh An Cheoil, our extremely capable MC was Alice Fitzgerald, for which much thanks. On top of all this entertainment, we managed to produce the first local gig guide for traditional music in the area during the summer. The “Ad for Trad” was a huge success and is in fact a model any such enterprise in any other area. We launched it in the Seanachaí, with gorgeous food courtesy of Mags and Johnny (and this is one of our most under-rated restaurants in the area, producing simply delicious mouthwatering food at reasonable prices)- and also inspiring music from the aforementioned David Power who has featured heavily in the Club’s doings for 2014, quite deservedly. The Ad for Trad details in a clear yet colourful way, all the local trad sessions in an effort to improve cultural awareness and participation throughout the area and to inform and welcome and above all, facilitate tourists and visitors to the area.The district is an oasis and treasure house for talent and entertainment and yet was not adequately promoted as such. Other areas were thought to be huge cultural centres, but not us! We, in the Dungarvan Singers Club are ardently endeavouring to put this pitiful situation to rights! Again, to this important end, we set up the Dungarvan Singers Club Facebook page in May and it’s already attracting thousands of hits from six-

teen different countries worldwide as well as Ireland. It includes great photos and videos very ably and kindly produced by Richard Hill. Both Alice Fitzgerald and Anne Halpin also provide wonderful help and support in countless ways. Now, coming up to Christmas, we’ve launched a really beautiful range of Christmas Cards, Posters and T-Shirts featuring the Dungarvan Singers Club logo and some cool messages summing up the aims and beliefs of the club. These have been really beautifully and artistically designed and illustrated by Shona MacDonald of Mireog, for which much appreciation and thanks. Seán MacCraith of Tigh an Cheoil, a really great “ideas man” came up with the fantastically appropriate main logo of the Singer and Musicians in the open hands, and the other logos of the sun, moon and stars. This symbolizes our open-handed welcome and generosity of spirit towards all singers and to all musicians, and also the idea that we promise you the sun, moon and stars…….but WE DELIVER!! We have produced this merchandising for your delight and entertainment, but above all, as in the case of all merchandising, to help raise funds so that we can continue to bring such great craic and entertainment and indeed genuine culture and heritage, uplift and spirituality into all your lives. So, it is indeed a worthy cause. Our hearts and souls and minds all need nourishment as well as our bodies and so, the work we are doing – or attempting to do with very little funding, is supremely commendable and worthwhile. We hope you agree and hope that we’re not being too pretentious – a thing I hate anyway. So really, the bottom line here is, we need your help. We know there are many calls on your pocket but do try and support this great

cause and buy some of our produce at Christmas. As I said, we have really sumptuous Christmas Cards, tshirts, posters and we have just set up our new official website and hope to sell online as well as in selected venues in town , like Maurice Butler’s, The Wine Buff and others I will tell you about as we become better organized. We will also sell these artefacts at the regular club meetings and in the Seanachaí and Tigh an Cheoil. So remember, if you enjoy the articles, photos, videos, facebook page in general and above all, the concerts, gigs, sessions and club meetings, try to help to keep them going and give us your help and assistance. Spread the word to keep the craic alive! The website will help to sell the merchandise but also give us an official email address where you can all keep up the Club activities. Anyone who doesn’t use facebook will now have an avenue to explore our activities. Leave us your email address and we’ll keep you upto-date with all our comings and goings and info on concerts and gigs. A big thank you to Ciarán Ó Nuallain for setting up the site! Everything from the facebook page will be emailed directly on to you.We have some really exciting projects lined up for 2015. All this news will be yours through this new website, or continue to join us on facebook. Find our brand new website at www.dungarvansingersclub.co m We really want to put West Waterford on the map as an important and unforgettable cultural centre and a major venue for music in Ireland, as it deserves to be known and as it unquestionably is! But above all else, in order to achieve this, we really need all your help and support! If you’re one of those either at home or far away who’ve been following us on the internet or in the paper, but have been unable to attend, and if you feel bad that you are not there on our club nights to contribute to our little collection when we pass around the hat, here is a splendid way for you to make a contribution by buying some of our lovely merchandise. We love and really appreciate your spiritual and psychological support but we also badly need your financial support in order to keep the Club going with all the verve and panache it has had so far and to continue to provide you with the very best entertainment available anywhere in the world! And of course, thank you to each and everyone for your support up to now. We wish you all a very happy Christmas and an extremely prosperous New Year.


48

SCHOOLS

Dungarvan Observer | Friday, 19 December, 2014

DUNGARVAN C.B.S.

Congratulations Michéal and Luke HAVING already won gold and silver medals for the best Higher and Ordinary level Leaving Certificate Engineering projects in the Tipperary and Waterford region, Michéal Shine and Luke Rossiter travelled to Maynooth, Co. Kildare to receive national awards in recognition of their outstanding achievements. On the National stage out of a total of 4,172 Higher level Engineering projects submitted for the Leaving certificate in 2014, Michéal Shine received his award for being in the top 24 while Luke Rossiter received his national award for his Ordinary level Engineering project for being in the top 10 out of a total of 1,031 projects submitted nationally for the 2014 Leaving certificate. We wish both students the very best of luck in their studies for Engineering degrees in Cork Institute of Technology and University College Cork respectively. A very special thanks to their teacher, Mr. Doran, for his dedication and hard work, this in just one of many awards his students have achieved at both regional and national level over the past fourteen years. HOUSE EXAMS All house exams were completed last week and the results will be posted home to parents this week. All students have received their results and have spent last week studying their papers, checking where mistakes were made and revising topics which they had difficulty with. This is of

great benefit particularly to students taking the Junior and Leaving cert. as they can plan their study over the holidays and concentrate on those areas of the course which need attention. LEGEND As the year comes to a close and we reflect back on the year, the staff and students would like to express their appreciation for the enormous contribution Peter Power has made and continues to make towards the hurling tradition of the CBS. Peter is involved in the coaching of all the CBS hurling teams from under 14 right up to Harty Cup level, a total of six different panels. His enthusiasm, encouragement and jovial disposition are infectious. Always has a smile on his face, he encourages all players, both weak and strong, to improve their game and be the best they can be and to enjoy themselves. Indeed, in our main assembly area in the midst of all the photographs on display only one contains just a single person in it, Peters. While in reflective mode, we need to publically acknowledge two stalwarts of the teaching staff who retired this year, John Hughes and Michael Scanlon each having contributed thirty eight and thirty four years respectively to the CBS. As well as being excellent teachers, they each gave generously of their free time to the many extracurricular activities taking place in the school. Johnny took charge of various football and soccer

teams, organised pool and table tennis competitions during his own lunch break, assisted on several school tours, was in charge of the school’s golf team and was an outstanding sixth year class master. He also organised (with Mr. Kenneally) the 6th year graduation nights and school retreats, the annual Christmas concerts and served for many years on the Board of Management. Michael organised the first school tours abroad, coached highly successful school basketball teams, produced several school musicals in conjunction with the Presentation Convent Secondary School and later with the Ard Scoil, was the school’s designated first aider, started and organised the TY tours to London, down through the years he was a year head for several classes and served for many years on the Board of Management. Both made a huge contribution to making the school the success it is today and the staff and pupils wish them a long and happy retirement. TRANSITION YEAR BUSINESS PROJECT Every year as part of the Transition Year, students form a mini-business enterprise which comprises the different stages in setting up a business: planning, financing including sponsorship, producing and marketing their products. A wide variety of enterprises are undertaken by the students from calendars, fire logs, Christmas logs and cards to personalised sportswear. Mark Phelan hit on the idea

of displaying his Christmas logs at the recent parent teacher meeting and did a “roaring trade”. Most of the lads have had their products sold out and have made a tidy sum of money in the process. The pupils have decided to donate a sizable amount of their profits to local charities. CBS RAISES AWARENESS OF CLIMATE CHANGE On November 27th, transition year students at Dungarvan C.B.S invited guest speaker Mr. Barry Donovan, an environmental and earth scientist to the school to discuss the impact climate change is having on our planet. This was part of a project the students are doing on raising awareness on climate change and energy use. The students are studying different topics from “saving water saves energy” to “climate justice”. The students must ultimately inspire people to make little changes every day in order to reduce the negative impact we are having on the environment. The students will then enter the “One good idea project” run by the Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland. FOOD FOR THOUGHT With all the discussions of educational reform at national level, here are the thoughts of Bill Gates, founder of Microsoft and one of the richest, if not the richest man in the world. In his book “Business at The Speed of Thought”, he lays out 11 rules that he believes students do not learn in high school

Shane Kelly and Padraig Moore displaying their paper fire logs and personalised Christmas plates which forms the basis of their Transition Year Business Project. or college, but should. He argues that our feel-good, politically-correct teachings have created a generation of kids with no concept of reality who are set up for failure in the real world. RULE 1 - Life is not fair; get used to it. RULE 2 - The world won't care about your selfesteem. The world will expect you to accomplish something BEFORE you feel good about yourself. RULE 3 - You will NOT make 60 thousand dollars a year right out of high school. You won't be a vice president with a car phone, until you earn both. RULE 4 - If you think your teacher is tough, wait till you get a boss. He doesn't

have tenure. RULE 5 - Flipping burgers is not beneath your dignity. Your grandparents had a different word for burger flipping, they called it opportunity. RULE 6 - If you mess up, it's not your parents' fault, so don't whine about your mistakes, learn from them. RULE 7 - Before you were born, your parents weren't as boring as they are now. They got that way from paying your bills, cleaning your clothes and listening to you talk about how cool you are. So before you save the rain forest from the parasites of your parents' generation, try "delousing" the clothes in your own room. RULE 8 - Your school

may have done away with winners and losers, but life has not. In some schools they have abolished failing grades; they will ask as many times as you want to get the right answer. This doesn't bear the slightest resemblance to ANYTHING in real life. RULE 9 - Life is not divided into semesters. You don't get summers off and very few employers are interested in helping you find yourself. Do that on your own time. RULE 10 -Television is NOT real life! In real life people actually have to leave the coffee shop (Friends) and go to jobs. RULE 11 - Be nice to nerds. Chances are you'll end up working for one.

West Waterford Branch INTO Retirement Presentation to James Bennett – James Bennett with the staff at Bunscoil Gleann Sidheain at his retirement function in the Lismore House Hotel. Included are Brendan Horan, CEC [Sean Byrne//Deise Media] Representative INTO and Anne Devine, School Principal.


SCHOOLS

Dungarvan Observer | Friday, 19 December, 2014

49

ST. DECLAN’S COMMUNITY COLLEGE

Friendship Awareness Week THIS annual event took place between 17th and 21st November. As usual it was packed with a variety of activities over the week. 1st Years took part in a poster competition. Prizes were awarded for the winners in each class. The winners were: Zoe Kett, Jack Queally, Aoife Mulcahy and Lavinia Bailey. They also attended a drama re: bullying given by Mike O'Sullivan from Humourfit. The Irish dept. came on board this year. Bhí Comórtas Póstaer agus alt le scríobh faoi "Mo Chara." The winners were: Nicole McCarthy, Luke Brennan, Clodagh Purcell, Cathal Scanlon, Amy Kirwan and Paul Casey. Well done to all the winners and all who took part. 2nd Years built our friendship wall. They also had the opportunity to attend the

drama re; bullying. The drama was not only very entertaining but also proved thought provoking and lessons were learned, which will be further explored in upcoming S.P.H.E. classes. 3rd Years took part in a poetry competition. All 5th, 6th and LCA took part in coffee mornings. The transition Years helped to co-ordinate the event. All classes got the chance to attend the bonding activity in the gym. It consisted of fun activities that everyone could take part in. This has proven to be the favourite event of the week! The Friendship Awareness Week was hugely successful again this year. Thanks to all the S.P.H.E. teachers for all the hard work that went into organising it. VISIT FROM SOUTH EAST SIMON Two representatives from

South East Simon, visited the school to talk about homelessness. They spoke to the 3 Maeve class, who organised it as part of their C.S.P.E. action project. It was an extremely enjoyable and informative talk. As a follow up, the class organised a Jersey Day and presented South East Simon with a cheque for €417.

JERSEY DAY The 3 Maeve Class organised a Jersey Day on Wednesday, 10th December. The total amount raised was €832. This was shared between South East Simon and the WLR Lyons Club Christmas hamper Appeal.Well done to all who participated.

Dylan Moran, World Kickboxing Champion with his brother Mason and sister Cheyanne. Winners of the 1st Year Poster competition during Friendship Awareness Week. Included are: Zoe Kett, Aoife Mulcahy and Jack Queally. (Lavinia Bailey missing from photo).

Winners of the Poster Competition and Story as Gaeilge. Included are: Paul Casey, Luke Brennan, Clodagh Purcell, Cathal Scanlon, Amy Kirwan and Nicole McCarthy.

KILMACTHOMAS PRIMARY SCHOOL

Exciting and busy few weeks at Kilmacthomas Primary School IT has been a very exciting and busy few weeks in school. Last week, on Thursday we had a special visitor to the school! Santa arrived at the school by fire engine to be greeted by some very excited children. Later on we went to visit Santa's Grotto in the Rainbow Hall where he was checking his “Naughty” and “Nice” list. Luckily all the children from Kilmacthomas Primary School were on the "Nice" list so we got our photos taken and received a gift from Santa. On Friday, December 12th Junior Infants to 3rd Class went on a special trip to the Theatre Royal in Waterford to see a performance of “The Three Little Pigs at Christmas”. A fantastic day was had by every-

one. The school choir, led by Senior Infant teacher, Mr. David Power went to the Day Care Centre on the 10th to entertain the Senior Citizens before their Christmas lunch. They will be carol singing again outside the Rainbow Hall today, Wednesday. All are welcome. Recently, Dylan Moran, a former pupil of the school and current World Kickboxing Champion visited the school to present medals to the Girls Football Team. Stradbally Operation Transformation was launched last Sunday night in the Stradbally GAA Club. We would like to thank Garda Tom Daly, one of the leaders, who has nominated our school as

the beneficiary of any monies pledged to him. We are asking people to donate €1 for each pound weight lost by Garda Daly over the eight weeks of Operation Transformation. All money pledged to Garda Daly will go towards our new school extension which we hope to begin early in 2015. Pledges will be taken in the school from January 5th and throughout the eight weeks of Operation Transformation. We would like to sincerely thank all the people in the community and the local businesses who have generously given their time and resources to the school over the past year. Nollaig shona agus athbhliain faoi mhaise.

ST. JOSEPH’S PRIMARY SCHOOL

Christmas is coming . . . Phoebe Bowdren and Aislinn Keane presenting a cheque for €417 to representatives from South East Simon.

Some of the pupils from 2 Aislinn who participated in the Jersey Day in aid of South East Simon and the WLR Lions Club Christmas Hamper Appeal.

EXCITEMENT is building in St. Joseph's as Christmas draws ever nearer. Our Sacred Space is devoted to Advent and our two cribs at each end of the corridor remind us that we will be celebrating the birth of Jesus. Our Christmas tree provides a festive focus at the front door. Ms. Coward's class enjoyed a trip down to the post office to send off their letters to Santa Claus. We are also completing finishing touches for our Christmas show, which takes place on Wednesday. Patrons can expect to see elephants, tigers and monkeys galore in a joint production by Mr. Curran's and Ms. McGrath's classes. Ms. Coward's class will be treating us to a little winter sunshine with a

Caribbean Christmas. Ms. O'Brien's dancers will be busting some moves to a musical medley. Finally, Ms. Ryan's class are providing a spooky banshee twist to some historical Irish characters. Good luck to all our performers! PUPIL OF THE WEEK The following pupils were nominated by their class teachers in our Pupil of the Week scheme: Mr. Curran, Eoghan Silke; Ms. McGrath, Kamryn Tutty; Ms. Coward, Adam Chruslak; Ms. O'Brien, Daryl Swales; and Ms. Ryan, Paul Sheehan. GAEILGEOIR NA SEACHTAINE The following pupils were nominated by their class teachers in our Gaeilgeoir na

Seachtaine scheme: Mr. Curran, Luke Power; Ms. McGrath, Sam Roche; Ms. Coward, Dale Duggan; Ms. O'Brien, Adam Pabianiak; and Ms. Ryan, Lee Lannon. YOUNG HISTORIAN Well done to all our pupils who completed a history project for our second annual Young Historian competition. We are grateful to local historian John Young for acting as our independent judge and to Coláiste Chathail Naofa for lending us some display boards. We trust that parents enjoyed coming to see their sons' work displayed at our evening exhibition. The class winners will receive their medals at our annual awards ceremony next June.


50

SCHOOLS

Dungarvan Observer | Friday, 19 December, 2014

Senior Football Squad: Back row left to right: Mr. Ger Walsh (Coach), Neil Phelan (St. Pat’s), John Elsted (Ballinacourty), Aaron Crotty (An Ghaeltacht), Ruairí Conway (Ballinacourty), Darach O’Cathasaigh (An Ghaeltacht), David Looby (Ballinacourty), Michael Sweeney (Stradbally), Kevin Dwane (Ballinacourty), Cathal Curran (Brickeys), Conor Prunty (Ballinacourty), Senan Freyne (Ardmore), Neil Montgomery (Ballinacourty), James Kennedy (Ballinacourty), Jack Duggan (Ballinacourty), Stephen Keating (Ardmore), Conor Brennan (Ballinacourty), Eoin Conway (Ardmore) Mr. Alan Ryan (Coach). Front row left to right: Dylan Guiry (The Nire), Conor McCarthy (Ballinacourty), Ciarán O’Neill (Brickeys), Eoin Kiely (Ballinacourty), Paul Tobin (Stradbally), Ben Mulligan (Ballinacourty), Seán Veale (Ardmore), Anthony Fitzgerald (Ballinacourty), Ryan O’Neill (Brickeys), Darragh McGrath (Ballinacourty), Brian Fraher (Colligan), Stephen Cliffe (Ballinacourty), Stephen Coffey (St. Pat’s), Michael Coleman (Ballinacourty), Darren McGuckian (Stradbally), Cormac Dwyer (Ballinacourty), Peter Queally (Dungarvan).

ST. AUGUSTINE’S COLLEGE

Senior Football Charity Challenge THE Friary senior footballers continued preparations for their upcoming Munster semifinal with a full scale trial match. Billed as the “WLR FM Christmas Charity Challenge” Ballinacourty took on the “Rest” in what turned out to be a competitive and worthwhile exercise. Ballinacourty fully controlled matters in the opening half as their superior teamwork saw them lead 2-6 to 1-2 at the break. The Rest were much improved after the interval and battled back gamely to snatch a deserved draw. Final score line Ballinacourty 3-8 “The Rest” 4-5. Hamilton High School, Bandon will provide the opposition in the Munster semi-final on a yet to be decided date in January. Ballinacourty Panel: K. Dwane, C. MacCarthy, C. Dwyer, R. Conway, D. McGrath, C. Brennan, J. Elstead, A. Fitzgerald, C. Prunty, N. Montgomery, B. Mulligan, D. Looby, M. Coleman, S. Cliffe, E. Kiely, J. Duggan, L. Power. “The Rest” Panel: C. Curran (Brickey Rangers), P. Queally (Dungarvan), D. Ó Cathasaigh (An Ghaeltacht), D. McGuickian (Stradbally), S. Freyne (Ardmore), E. Conway (Ardmore), C. O’Neill (Brickey Rangers), S. Keating (Ardmore), N. Phelan (St. Pats), J. Kennedy (Ardmore), M. Sweeney (Stradbally), D. Guiry

(Nire), S. Coffey (St. Pats), A. Crotty (An Ghaeltacht), P. Tobin (Stradbally), B. Fraher (St. Pats), S.Veale (Ardmore), R. O’Neill (Brickey Rangers), N. Donovan (Modeligo). 3.2 CSPE ACTION PROJECT Jennifer Maher (Solicitor) visited St Augustine’s College on Tuesday, December 9th and gave the class of 3.1 a very informed presentation on the work she does as a solicitor. Feedback from the students was very positive. Many thanks to students, Cian Fagan, Lauren Dunford, Abbie Dalton, Jessica Carroll-Lawler, Thomas Ahearne, Padraig Foley, Conor Reilly, Susan Doran, Cáit Clancy, Maria Dunphy, Cillian Fogerty and Dean Beresford who helped with preparations for Jennifer’s visit. Many thanks to Jennifer for making the time to visit out school and also CSPE teacher, Ms. Ann Commins. LEAVING CERTIFICATE ART STUDENTS VISIT NATIONAL ART GALLERY As part of their preparation for the Leaving Certificate written exam 6th Year Art students recently travelled to Dublin accompanied by Mr. Pádraig MacCraith and Ms.Annkatrin Dähling.The first port of call was the National Museum to view some of the most iconic artifacts of Irish Art from the

Micheál Kiely, Megan Phelan and Douglas Petit with "Dungarvan's Best".

Bronze Age, Iron Age and High Cristian periods.The students enjoyed seeing many items up close which added to their appreciation of the immense skills and artistic achievements of our ancestors. A gold torc from Co. Waterford and the magnificent Lismore Crozier gave us a local connection.The preserved bog bodies on display provided macabre yet fascinating insight into our past.We then took the short walk to the National Gallery where we enjoyed a great tour of some of the masterpieces of the collection as selected by some of our most eminent writers. The "Lines of Vision" exhibition is part of the National Gallery's celebration of 150 years in existence. It was then down to some serious work for the class as notes and sketches needed to be done on various aspects of visiting and appreciating an art exhibition. TRANSITION YEAR STUDENT ENTERPRISE AWARDS The following Transition Year Mini companies have progressed to the County Final stage of the Student Enterprise Awards Competition. "Home Tweet Home" Tom Looby, Darragh McGrath, OisÍn Keevers and James Beresford. “Touchwood” Lisa Maher. “Juice Moose” Elaine Murphy, Clodagh O’Sullivan and Siobhán Morrissey “Dungarvan’s Best” Megan Phelan, Micheál Kiely and Douglas Petit. “Sticky Memory” Seán Vaianelle, Donnacha Tobin, Rian Winfield, Shane Gough and Ryan Keane. “Choc o Bloc” Gráinne Curran and Lauren Byrnes Leonard. Many thanks to Ms. Heather Boyle who organised the inschool finals which took place on Thursday, December 10th and also Mr. Alan Ryan who along with Ms Boyle helped the students prepare for the event. LOTTO WINNERS WEDNESDAY, 10th DECEMBER Bonus Number 33.Winners - Conor & Keith Cooney; Anne-Marie Houlihan.

Leaving Cert. Art students pictured outside National Gallery with Ms. Annkatrin Dähling. (extreme right).

Dean Beresford presents a bouquet of flowers to Ms. Jennifer Maher on behalf of the 3.2 class group.

Siobhan Morrissey, Clodagh O'Sullivan and Elaine Murphy with "Juice Moose".


SCHOOLS

Dungarvan Observer | Friday, 19 December, 2014

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ÁRD SCOIL NA nDÉISE

Animal Sanctuary Visit ON the 25th of November, Árd Soil Na nDéise had a wonderful afternoon with Déise Animal Sanctuary. Two guest speakers, Rob and Andy, travelled to our school and educated First, Second and Third Years about animal care, animals being neglected and how to give any of these animals a wonderful home. We were all very inspired by the great work carried out by Déise Animal Sanctuary. The highlight of the afternoon had to be when we were introduced to two gorgeous dogs, a lurcher called Lady and a dachshund called Stuart Little as well as a ferret. Déise Animal Sanctuary truly enlightened us and we were honoured to present them with a cheque of €150 which we had raised through a cake sale in our school. We would advise people to visit Déise Animal Sanctuary and consider adopting one of their many animals in need of a new home or to help out as a volunteer as it is most definitely a very worthy cause. Jenny Maye-Twomey, 3rd Year EAGLE’S FLIGHT On the morning of the 25th November, both TY groups had a turn of playing the stressful but exciting games of Desert Gold. We divided into teams of four and the rules were explained to us. Basically, we had to make it home from a trip to the mountains with as much gold as possible, all gained by staying in the mountains for as long as possible. We had to control the amount of food

and water and still have enough space on our camel for gold while battling the elements of the unpredictable desert weather.The purpose of this mind boggling activity was forward planning and dealing with stress which will be helpful as we progress into the senior cycle. We would like to wish a big thank you to Ger O’ Shea for this enjoyable learning curve. Muireann Walsh, 4th Year CAROL SERVICE Our annual carol service was held on Friday, the 5th December in the Friary church. The carol service is a time for the students and staff to come together and celebrate the Christmas season. During the service the school choir treated us to lots of beautiful hymns; our first years gave a wonderful rendition of walking in the air. During the service reference was made to the many fundraising events for different charities that are held throughout the year with symbols of these different events on display in a crib on the altar. The carol service was a wonderful event which filled everyone with the spirit of the Christmas season. CRAFT FAIR On Tuesday, 9th December our school held their annual transition year craft fair. At the beginning of T.Y we were set a task to create our own mini company and introduce our products to the public. We split into groups and there was a vast range of products and services created. On the morning of the

Third year students pictured with Lady and Stuart Little.

event, everyone was panicking and running around trying to finalise everything before our 10:30 a.m. deadline. I think it was safe to say most people were on edge. There was a great atmosphere around the senior hall before our potential customers arrived. Everyone was excited to show off their ideas and hopefully make a profit. Judges were sent from the national enterprise board to pick the top four mini companies out of our school. Their decision was made by coming around to each individual stall and interviewing each team about their company. Their judgement was based on; originality, creativity, commitment and teamwork. The winning teams were: Holy Crepe, a delicious food company, Betty Bands, who sold and created multicoloured hair ties, GAAGAA Gear who sold customised half zip school training tops, and Alaska handmade mini hampers as Christmas treats. The standard was very high and everyone did exceptionally well. It was a great challenge and everyone learned something new about themselves in the process. The majority of companies achieved what they wanted and had a lot of fun on the day. Hopefully, one of our teams will be successful enough to make it to the final in Croke Park. We want to wish them the best of luck and well done to all involved in the 2014 craft fair. Sinead O’Donnell, 4th Year DISABILITY AWARENESS WORKSHOP Wednesday, 10th December, another busy day as a TY student in the Árd Scoil. We spent the day in the sports centre with the TY’s from the CBS. To begin the day, Paul, our instructor, gave us a brief talk on disability awareness. Paul himself has a prosthetic leg but this doesn’t stop him from competing in sports such as wheelchair basketball in which he has world titles. He explained that he takes part in sports for the same reasons as us – fun, fitness and friends. There were 16 wheelchairs and we were split into several smaller groups. Paul demonstrated the basic skills of wheelchair basketball and we all gave it a shot. Everyone thoroughly enjoyed this amazing experience. Paul is an inspirational sportsman and a very patient coach! Muireann Walsh, 4th Year

Third year students Brid Gough and Rosa Pabianiak presenting a cheque for €150 to Rob and Andy from Deise Animal Sanctuary.

Students from the top four mini-companies pictured with judges from the national enterprise board and their teacher Ms. Foley.

SEAFIELD NATIONAL SCHOOL

Seafield’s Sean Ahearn Football League Finals FRIDAY, December 12th, brought an end to another very successful football league in St. Anne’s National School, Seafield. After an enthralling six rounds of football, Míde Delaney and Ruth Phelan’s teams qualified for the ‘A’ final, while Shíona Dunphy and Caoimhe Keane’s teams qualified for the ‘B’ final. Under the watchful eye of our coach Maurice Lannon and guest for the day Shane Ahearn, Míde’s team were victorious in the ‘A’ final on a score line of 5-4 to 2-3, while Caoimhe’s team battled to victory on a score line of 4-2 to 3-1. Sean

Ahearn’s nephew Shane, presented the winners and runner’s up plaques and medals. Well done to all involved. SEAFIELD SCHOOL GOES CHRISTMAS CRACKERS! Team Hope Christmas Shoe Box Appeal: All the pupils got great enjoyment from putting the shoe boxes together and loved the gift of giving. Toy Sale: We raised €172.03 in total. Thanks to all the pupils that brought in their old toys and the toys have gone to new homes. Clothes Recycling: We raised over €100 for the school by recycling old

clothes. STUDENT COUNCIL Our Sacred Space: This altar is a great idea to remember our loved ones. The student council members decorated the school Christmas tree. School Play: On Wednesday, 17th December at 1.30 p.m. we will have our school nativity play. All the pupils are very busy rehearsing at the moment. SANTA VISIT All pupils will go “Christmas Crackers” when Santa comes to visit on Friday morning.


52

SCHOOLS

Dungarvan Observer | Friday, 19 December, 2014

COLAISTE CHATHAIL NAOFA

Fantastic J.C.S.P. Awards Celebration ON Friday, 12th December all the Junior students in Coláiste Chathail Naofa enjoyed a lovely end of term celebration. The principal, Mr Cunningham spoke to parents, students and teachers about the Junior Certificate Schools Programme and how it complemented and enriched the Junior Certificate award. Coláiste Chathail Naofa was one of the first schools

in Ireland to adopt this programme to give students a full and enriching experience, confidence and a record of work done. The J.C.S.P. funds many initiatives such as outdoor pursuits, Bodhran classes and ‘make a book’ exhibitions. The Library is the grandest J.C.S.P. initiative which has thousands of books, magazines, computers, games and learning resources.

The principal remarked on how many parents attended the awards and thanked them for supporting the Christmas raffle.The principal thanked the teachers, SNA’s, the Librarian, Jessica and the Home Economics Teacher, Ms Power for getting the room ready and their hard work. A special thanks was given to Ms Áine Ní Dhonnabháin, the J.C.S.P.

Pictured above is Niall De Burca with some second year students.

Pictured above are Juan Nolasco and Ester Layos, two second year students who received their awards.

Co-ordinator for making the event such a great success. NIALL DE BURCA VISITS JCSP LIBRARY On Thursday, 4th of December every student in the school was treated to a storytelling session by the amazing Niall de Burca. Niall told a huge range of original and traditional stories throughout the day. Combining powerful stage presence and delivery, he took his audience on a roller coaster ride of exuberance and imagination. ICE SKATING The 5th Year Honours English class enjoyed a trip

to Waterford on Ice recently for an ice skating trip to celebrate all of their hard work over the last few months. The students have succeeded in covering a variety of texts already for their Leaving Certificate including their three texts for the Comparative Study. The trip also gave the students an opportunity to work together as a team as help was often needed on the ice!!! A great day was had by all! MASS On Tuesday, December 2nd our School Chaplain Fr. John Harris celebrated mass with our second year

Pictured above is Mags O’Connor who donated a tree to the ‘Tree of Giving’ Project with Ms. Doyle and some students from the 6LCA class.

students. The theme of the mass was remembrance and we offered up our prayers for all our past and former students and teachers. We prayed that God would touch the lives of all those who are mourning and hurting at this time. It was a lovely, touching experience for all of us 'THE TREE OF GIVING' As students are starting to wind down in schools and finish up for the festive season the LCA students in Coláiste Chathail Naofa have been busy adding festive cheer by organising a project called 'The Tree of Giving' where they are per-

sonalising Christmas baubles and selling them to students and staff throughout the school. This project is a great opportunity for all to remember past and present loved ones and past pupils who are no longer with us at this special time of the year. The LCA students would like to say a huge thank you to the Manager of Dungarvan Enterprise Centre Mags O'Connor who kindly donated a Christmas Tree to the project to display the personalised baubles at the entrance of the school for all to see.


Dungarvan Observer | Friday, 19 December, 2014

NOEL McGOVERN 20 Boreenatra, Dungarvan It is with profound and deep sadness we record the passing of Noel McGovern, 20 Boreenatra, Dungarvan, husband of Teresa McGovern, which sad event occurred peacefully in St. Enda’s Ward, Dungarvan Community Hospital, surrounded by his loving family. Born on 27th December, 1927, in Abbeyside, Noel was one of fourteen children. Noel was greatly loved by his wife Teresa and his sons and daughters and will be deeply missed by each and everyone of them. Reposing at Drohan’s Funeral Home on Wednesday, 26th November, at 7.30 p.m., Rosary was recited by Sr. Eileen and family members, in the presence of his heartbroken wife, family, friends and neighbours. On Thursday evening, 27th November, at 6.30 p.m., the funeral took place from Drohan’s Funeral Home to St. Mary’s Parish Church. Noel’s remains were draped in the Abbeyside/Ballinacourty colours and a guard of honour of past and present members of Abbeyside/Ballinacourty GAA were present. Noel’s remains were received and blessed by Canon Ryan and the funeral prayers took place. On Friday morning, 28th November, at 11.00 a.m., Mass was celebrated by Canon Ryan and Fr. Cooney. Noel’s grand-daughter Erin spoke as symbols representing Noel’s life were brought to the Altar by his grandchildren. Stephen Daly brought Noel and Teresa’s wedding photograph; Sean Navin brought up a hurley to represent Noel’s love of hurling; Cathal McGovern presented an An Post hat as Noel had worked for An Post for almost 40 years and was a very diligent worker for An Post. Ben and Jack O’Donovan carried a framed Abbeyside jersey that Noel wore in the 1957 county final against Mount Sion. Noel was so proud to wear the Abbeyside jersey on any occasion playing for Abbeyside. The readings were recited by his grandchildren Sam Martin and Jessica Flanagan. The offertory gifts were presented by his children Patrick and Mary. The prayers of the faithful were read by Noel’s grandchildren Hayleigh Martin, Erin Morrissey, Amber Navin and Emilie Martin.Throughout the Mass hymns were sung beautifully by Lorna Jane Murray. After Communion a poem was delivered by Noel’s daughter Ann and before the removal to the old church yard, Noel’s grand-daughter Kellie paid a final tribute to Noel, with words of appreciation on behalf of his family which were written by his daughter Elizabeth. Noel was laid to rest in the old church yard graveyard in the presence of his loving wife Teresa, family, relatives and friends. We offer our deepest sympathy to Noel’s wife Teresa; sons Patrick and Stephen; daughters Ann, Linda, Eleanor, Elizabeth, Therese, Georgina and Mary; grandchildren, great grandchildren; brothers Francie and Amby; nieces and nephews. Month’s Mind Mass for Noel will be offered on Sunday, 4th January, 2015, at 12 noon, in St. Mary’s Parish Church, Dungarvan. (Funeral arrangements were by Tom Drohan, Funeral Director, Dungarvan).

EDMOND (Ned) O’GRADY Skeheens, Ballymacarbry, Co. Waterford It is with deep sadness we record the passing of Edmond O’Grady, Skeheens, Ballymacarbry, Co. Waterford, which sad event occurred at South Tipperary General Hospital on 30th November, 2014. Ned, who was 78 years old, lived a happy, fulfilled and contented life, up until his illness this year. His job as the local school bus driver for over 25 years, before retirement in 1999, ensured he was well known and much loved by many generations of young and old in the area. Ned was a retired farmer and loved the rural lifestyle. He had a great connection with and love for his local townsland, Skeheens and especially Reanadampaun where he built his house and home. He was a fantastic storyteller and was well known for claiming that “A day away from Skeheens was a day wasted.” Ned had an impeccable respect and loyalty for his community, neighbours and friends who, in return held Ned in the highest regard, as was evidenced at St. Mary’s Church, Touraneena, with the community’s formation of a Guard of Honour for Ned. Ned’s family will always cherish their precious years with one of nature’s true gentlemen. Ned had a great kindness and a huge heart, full of forgiveness and love. His many friends will miss his company ay Dunne’s local bar where Ned regularly played his favourite card

OBITUARY game, 45. Remembering Ned with great affection and love will be no difficult task. Great strength will be drawn from the resilience he showed after the passing of his beloved wife Mary five years ago. It is comforting to know that Ned and Mary have now been re-joined in holy matrimony and will watch over their mournful family at this sad time. May he rest in peace. Reposing at his son William’s residence in Skeheens, removal took place on Tuesday, 2nd December, to St. Mary’s Church, Touraneena. Funeral Mass was celebrated at 11.00 a.m. on Wednesday, 3rd December. Fr. Connie Kelleher was chief celebrant, assisted by visiting clergy. Interment took place in the adjoining cemetery. The readings were recited by Helen and Norah (daughters). Prayers of the Faithful were read by Martha Mannion, Sam Hallahan and Genevieve O’Donnell. Adam Hallahan (grandson) served at the Requiem Mass, while gifts were brought to the Altar by Kaye Mullaney, Sheila Cahill, Maggie Greaves and Veronica Egan. Beautiful and fitting music was provided by Teresa Butler and Touraneena Choir. Pallbearing duties were assisted by Aidan Mannion, Jonathan Jones, Liam O’Brien and Laurence McCarthy. Chief mourners were: Michael and William (sons); Helen, Norah and Martha (daughters); Aidan Mannion (son-in-law); Kaye Mullaney (daughter-in-law); Jimmy (brother); Gerry Cahill (brother-in-law); Nora McGrath and Nan O’Grady (sisters-in-law); Sam, Adam, Luke and Conor (grandchildren); cousins, relatives and friends. The family wishes to extend its sincere gratitude to the congregation who paid their final respects to Ned at the removal and Burial Mass in such a resounding, memorable and fitting way, and also to the multi-disciplinary team who cared for Ned at South Tipperary General Hospital, and to Fr. Connie Kelleher and visiting clergy who were so supportive in their presence. Month’s Mind Mass will take place on Thursday, 1st January, at 7.30 p.m. at St. Mary’s Church, Touraneena. (Funeral arrangements were by Tom Drohan, Funeral Director, Dungarvan).

JOHN (Johnny) PRENDERGAST Poulbautia, Cappoquin, Co. Waterford We learn with feelings of sadness and deep regret of the passing of John (Johnny) Prendergast, Poulbautia, Cappoquin, Co. Waterford, which sad event occurred peacefully on the 10th December, 2014, at his daughter Maureen Flynn’s home in Fenor, Co. Waterford. Johnny who was in his 101st year. Reposing at Walsh’s Funeral Home, Cappoquin, on Thursday evening Rosary was recited by Deacon Brendan Gallagher (Fenor) in the presence of Johnny’s loving family, relatives and friends. On Friday evening Rev. Fr. M. Cullinan, P.P., recited funeral prayers in the presence of his loving family and a large cortège of mourners, before removal took place to St. Carthage’s Church, Lismore. On arrival to St. Carthage’s Church his remains were received and blessed by Rev. Fr. M. Cullinan, P.P.; Rev Fr. B. Crowley, P.P., and Rev Fr. Arthure, P.E. Funeral Mass was celebrated on Saturday morning by Rev. Fr. B. Crowley, P.P., and was assisted by Rev. Fr. M. Cullinan, P.P.; Rev. Fr. J. Kiely, P.P., and Rev. Fr. G. Condon, P.P. (Stradbally). Symbols representing Johnny’s life were presented to the Altar by Marian Flynn – Johnny’s cap; Jane Prendergast – VW Beetle; Conor Prendergast – Rosary Beads and Bible; Aaron Doocey – A Race Card; Helen Prendergast – A deck of cards; Phoebe Prendergast – The Irish Examiner and the local newspapers; Nicola Prendergast – A Cow; Gráinne Prendergast – The President’s Award.These were narrated by son-in-law Michael Quinn. Readings during the Mass were recited by daughter Maureen Flynn and grand-daughter Jane Prendergast. A lovely selection of hymns and music were provided by Mairead Cullinane and her daughter Margaret. Prayers of the faithful were read by Marian Flynn, Nicola Prendergast, Marie Doocey, Michael Quinn, Audrey Doocey, Mike Prendergast, Jim Prendergast and Eileen Mackey. The Offertory Gifts were presented to the Altar by daughters Maureen Flynn and Margo Quinn. Following Communion a Eulogy was recited by Johnny’s grandson Shane Flynn. Following Funeral Mass burial took place in St. Carthage’s Cemetery, Lismore. Rev. Fr. B. Crowley, P.P., officiated the graveside prayers and was assisted by Rev. Fr. J. Kiely, P.P., where Johnny was laid to rest in the presence of his loving family, relatives and friends. May he rest in peace. May we extended our deepest sympathy to his loving son Anthony; daughters Maureen Flynn and Margo Quinn; daughter-in-law Carmel; sons-in-law Stan Flynn and Michael Quinn; sister-in-law Eileen Prendergast; grandchildren Conor, Tony, Eileen, Jane, Gráinne, Nicola, Shane, Bernadette and Marian; great-grandchildren, nephews, nieces, relatives, neighbours and friends. (Funeral arrangements by Aidan Walsh & Sons, Funeral Directors, Cappoquin & Tallow).

53 JAMES (Jim) FLYNN Gortnapeaky, Ballyduff Upper With feeling of great sadness and regret we record the passing of James (Jim) Flynn, Gortnapeaky, Ballyduff Upper, Co. Waterford, which sad and peaceful event occurred on 19th November, 2014, in Dungarvan Community Hospital surrounded by his loving family. Lying in repose at Walsh’s Funeral Home, Tallow, on Thursday evening Rosary was recited by Rosary Committee member Mai Flynn in the presence of his loving family, relatives and friends. On Friday evening Funeral Prayers were recited by Parish Council members Helen Moroney and Noreen Geary, in the presence of Jim’s loving family, neighbours and many friends, before removal took place to St. Michael’s Church, Ballyduff. On arrival his remains were received and blessed by Rev. Fr. G. McNamara, P.P. On Saturday morning Funeral Mass was celebrated by Rev. Fr. G. McNamara, P.P. Symbols representing Jim’s life were presented to the Altar by his grandchildren, James – photos of Jim’s grandchildren; Evan – a fishing rod; Andrew – jar of honey; Kyle – a Guinness deck of cards; Bradley – a Darts set; these symbols were narrated by niece Caroline Higgins. Readings during the Mass were recited by Marie O’Farrell (Godchild) and nephew Kevin Flynn. Prayers of the Faithful were read by Mary Corcoran, Linda Corcoran, Michelle Higgins, Mary Hogan, Chrissie Hopkins, Jim Flynn (Godchild) and Richard Creamer. Offertory Gifts were presented to the Altar by Jim’s wife Nora and daughter Mary-Alice. Soloist Frances Tobin and organist Mary Barry provided a lovely selection of hymns during the Mass. Communion reflections were recited by daughter-in-law Siobhan and brother-in-law Jim Hopkins. A guard of honor was carried out by Ballyduff Trout Fly Anglers. Following funeral burial took place in St. Michael’s Cemetery, Ballyduff. Rev. Fr. G. McNamara, P.P., officiated the graveside prayers. Many of Jim’s family and close friends carried Jim to his eternal rest. Jim was laid to rest in the presence of his loving family, relatives and many friends. Jim was born on 1/11/1923 in Doon, Araglin, Co. Tipperary, and married Nora on 18/6/1963. They had 51 wonderful years together. He lived for 91 years and is sadly missed by his loving wife Nora (nee Corcoran); sons David, Patrick and James Jnr.; daughter Mary-Alice; sisters Mary, Peg and Bid; daughter-in-law Siobhan; son-in-law-to-be Richard Creamer; brothers-in-law, sisters-in-law, grandchildren, nephews, nieces, relatives, neighbours and friends. Jim was preceded in death by his son Sean-Michael; his sisters Kit and Alice and his brothers Sean and Michael. May they rest in peace. Over the years Jim worked in different jobs. He worked as a Farm Labourer, a Thatcher, a Farrier, he was a Council worker and a Postman. Lastly, he was a Forestry worker where he had an unfortunate incident of a tree falling on him. Jim luckily survived but ended up in a cast for four years. Jim dealt with such an ordeal with grace and patience and always remained respectful and thankful to all those who cared for him. Jim was a man of the land, he had a profound love for fishing, shooting and bee keeping. There was practically nothing he couldn’t do with his hands and more often than not would make something out of whatever materials he could find rather than just go out and purchase it. He was known for dazzling foxes back in the day. Another talent that allowed Jim to provide for his family. He was thrilled to be one of the first families in the area to get electricity and he spoke with a smile when he would tell us of how the bigger farmers in the area would get dressed in their Sunday best to come to his house to watch TV! Jim loved Tipperary GAA, was an avid cyclist, he loved playing darts and enjoyed his card game 45 over a pint of Guinness. He will be especially remembered for his sayings, his stories and folklore. Jim was a caring, thoughtful, kind and generous person who always had time and kind word to say for others. May he rest in peace. We extend our deepest sympathy to his loving wife Nora (nee Corcoran); sons David, Patrick and James Jnr.; daughter Mary-Alice; sisters Mary, Peg and Bid; daughter-in-law Siobhan; son-in-law Richard Creamer; brothers-in-law, sisters-in-law, grandchildren, nephews, nieces, relatives, neighbours and friends. Month’s Mind Mass will take place on Sunday, 28th December, 2014, at 11.00 a.m. in St. Michael’s Church, Ballyduff Upper, Co. Waterford. (Funeral arrangements by Aidan Walsh & Sons, Funeral Directors, Cappoquin & Tallow).

DUNGARVAN OBSERVER EMAIL ADDRESSES The Dungarvan Observer email addresses are as follows: adverts@dungarvanobserver.ie news@dungarvanobserver.ie sport@dungarvanobserver.ie


54 DÓIRÍN MHIC MHURCHÚ (Ní Háirdín) An Linn Bhuí, Rinn Ó gCuanach Bhí dúthaigh Déise agus an pobal Gaelach fé bhrón nuair a scaip an scéal go luath maidin Dé hAoine, 28 Samhain, seo caite go raibh Dóirín Mhic Mhurchú imithe uainn gan choinne, ar shlí na fírinne. Bean uasal inspioráideach ildánach ba ea í a d’fhág rian a dea-láimhe i ngar is i gcéin. Rugadh Dóirín i Learpholl ar an 20 Meitheamh, 1930, agus d’aistrigh a muintir go Cill Chathlaigh, Co. an Chábháin nuair a cheannaigh a tuismitheoirí, an Dr. Denis agus Marie-Thérèse Harding cleachtas dochtúireachta agus tigh ar an mbaile sin. Ba iad Monica agus Kevin (a d’éag ina naíonán) na leanaí eile a bhí mar chúram orthu. Thug Dóirín an Ghaeilge léi go binn óna hathair agus ón scoil agus le linn di a bheith ag obair do Bhardas Bhaile Átha Cliath i dtosach na gcaogadaí seo caite thosnaigh sí ag freastal ar ranganna san Ardchathair. Is ann a bhuail sí lena céile Éamonn Mac Murchú (d’éag 1991) agus níorbh fhada gur pósadh iad. Sa mbliain 1960 thugadar a n-aghaidh ar an Astráil agus chaitheadar trí bliana ansan, ar dtúis i mBrisbane agus ansan i bhfiantas iargúlta Queensland. Bhí a gclann á dtógaint le Gaeluinn acu ar feadh an ama san agus nuair a d’fhilleadar ar Éirinn bhí mian láidir ina gcroí cur fúthu i gceantar Gaeltachta. Nuair a thairg Gael-Linn post d’Éamonn mar bhainisteoir ar An Stór sa Rinn sa mbliain 1964 bhíodar beirt ar aon intinn go raibh a mbaile buan aimsithe acu, agus níorbh fhada dóibh go rabhadar sáite le dúthracht i saol an phobail. Ní raibh aon teora leis na buanna a bronnadh ar Dhóirín agus ceannródaí ba ea í sa mhéid is gur éirigh léi postanna éagsúla a bheith aici, na buanna sin a chleachtadh agus clann a thógaint in éineacht. Scríbhneoir, léitheoir, lámhcheardaí, ceoltóir, rinceoir, amhránaí. Ba shaor-iriseoir den scoth í a bhí ag soláthar nuachta agus gné-altanna do nuachtáin náisiúnta, áitiúla agus do RTÉ, ach is mar iriseoir spóirt le Raidió na Gaeltachta ba mhó a aithníodh í – ar feadh tréimhse fiche bliain ó bunaíodh an stáisiúin agus gan aon bhean eile i mbun na ceirde sin ag an am. Ball dílis de Chomhaltas Ceoltóirí Éireann ba ea í agus bhuaigh sí duaiseanna sna Fleadhanna Ceoil leis an bhfeadóg agus le bailéidí nua-chumtha i nGaeluinn agus i mBéarla. Spreag sí an ghlúin óg sa cheol agus san amhránaíocht. Bhí postanna mar Oifigeach aici sa Chlub áitiúil de Chumann Lúthchleas Gael agus toghadh í mar Oifigeach na Gaeilge do Bhord Chontae Phortláirge. Thugadh sí ana-thacaíocht don fhoireann áitiúil i gcónaí agus bhuaigh sí bonn Contae sa Chamógaíocht le foireann na Rinne. Bhí sí páirteach i mórán eagraíochtaí, ina measc Bantracht na Tuaithe, Cearta Sibhialta na Gaeltachta, Cumann na hIarsmalainne, Cumann Staire Phortláirge agus go leor eile. Ar feadh deich mbliana thug sí gach Aoine ag obair go deonach i siopa Chumann Chathaoir Rotha na hÉireann i nDúngarbhán agus bhíodh sí ag cniotáil de shíor do charthanacht na hAfraice, Oxfam. Bhí mórán teangacha ar a toil aici, cúig cinn acu go líofa agus ana-dhúil aici sa taisteal. Is liosta le háireamh na tíortha inar chaith sí saoire. Chaith sí blianta mar mhúinteoir clóscríobh agus teangacha i Meánscoil San Nioclás. Sa mbliain 1994 foilsíodh leabhar léi, ‘Bealach na Bó Finne’, saothar taighde ar oilthireacht na nGael go Compostella sa Spáinn. Bhí meas mór aici ar na príosúnaigh Phoblachtánacha i bPortlaoise agus i Sasana agus níor lig sí síos riamh iad le cártaí Nollag, le cuairteanna agus le féiríní. D’fhreastlaíodh Dóirín ar Aifreann sa Rinn gach Domhnach gan teip agus léadh sí Briathar Dé ón áltóir. Ar feadh na mblianta bhí sí páirteach i gcór na heaglaise, ag canadh agus ag seinnt an orgáin. Bhí sí daingean docht sa chreideamh agus má bhí leaba riamh ag éinne sna Flaithis, is aici atá sé. Suaimhneas síoraí go raibh aici, anois agus a haistear inár measc tugtha. D’fhreastail slua mór ar an tigh le linn an tórraimh agus oíche Dé Domhnaigh stiúraigh an tAthair Conchúir Ó Ceallaigh, sagart paróiste na Rinne an Choróin Mhuire. Cuireadh Aifreann le hanam Dhóirín i séipéal Naomh Nioclás sa Rinn ar an Luan 1 Nollaig. Ag comhcheiliúradh leis an Athair Ó Ceallaigh bhí an tAthair Matt Cooney agus an tAthair Gerry Horan ó Ord na nAibhistíneach. Chan Cór na bhFear agus daltaí na Meánscoile agus iad fé stiúir ag Dearán Ó Droma. Chan Ann Mulqueen amhrán a chum Dóirín, ‘Ceann Heilvic go hArd’, chan Seán Mac Craith an tÁr nAthair agus chan Eoghan Breathnach an Salm le Freagra. Sheinn garmhac Dhóirín, Fionn Mac Giolla Chuda ‘Mo Thigh Beag Aerach’ ar an bheidhlín le linn na hOfrála agus sheinn garmhac eile, Tadhg Ó Foghlú ‘Ar Éirinn ní neosfainn cé hí’ ar an bhfeadóg le linn na Comaoineach. Sheinn Mac Dara Mac Donnchadha fonn álainn mall b’ansa le Dóirín, ‘Bás Staker Wallace’ agus a corp á thabhairt amach go dtí’n reilig. Chóirigh a seanchairde Pauline Mhic Phartláin agus Eibhlín Uí Dhonnchadh an séipéal le bláthanna. D’iompair iníonacha agus gariníonacha Dhóirín an cónra amach as an séipéal. Ba iad Fianait Uí Bhriain (iníon) agus Liadain Ní Fhoghlú (gariníon) a léigh na léachtanna. Ba iad Oisín Ó hAllacháin (garmhac), Fíona Ní Bhriain (gariníon), Eithne Nic Mhurchú (gariníon), Clíona Mhic Giolla Chuda (iníon), Arthur O’Hara (nia), Odhrán Mac Murchadha (mac) agus Oisín Mac Giolla Chuda (garmhac) a léigh Guí an Phobail. Thug Áine Uí Fhoghlú (iníon) aitheasc ar shaol Dhóirín tar éis an Aifrinn. Dhein an Club áitiúil de ChLG agus iardhaltaí na Meánscoile garda onóra lasmuigh den séipéal agus bhí foireann agus daltaí na Meánscoile faoi éide lasmuigh den scoil agus an cróchar ag góilt thar bráid. Ba léir ón tinreamh mór a bhí ar an tórramh agus an sochraid go raibh ardmheas ar Dhóirín sna ceithre hairde. Ina measc san a tháinig bhí an laoch spóirt, Míchéal Ó Muircheartaigh; oifigigh shinsearacha ó ChLG, Páirc an Chrócaigh; Ard-Stiúrthóir Chomhaltas Ceoltóirí Éireann, Labhrás Ó Murchú; Ceannasaí TG4, Pól Ó Gallchóir; Ceannasaí Raidió na Gaeltachta, Edel Ní Chuirreáin; Príomhfheidhmeannach Údarás na Gaeltachta, Steve Ó Cúláin agus go leor daoine eile a bhfuil baint acu le cúrsaí ceoil, spóirt agus iriseoireachta. Ba iad Muintir Uí Chadhla na hadhlacóirí agus dheineadar a gcúram go snasta. Chuir Muintir de Búrca, Óstán Lawlor’s béile blasta ar fáilt i Halla Pobail na Rinne tar éis an adhlactha. Beidh clann Dhóirín fíorbhuíoch go deo de mhuintir uile an pharóiste, dá gcairde is dá gcomharsain ó chian is ó chóngar a thug tacaíocht gan sárú dóibh le linn a méala bróin, agus de na dochtúirí agus na banaltraí in Ospidéil Phortláirge agus Dhúngarbháin, maraon leis an dochtúir Tom Higgins. Léifear Aifreann ar son a n-intinní uile. Fágtar fé bhrón clann Dhóirín: A beirt mhac Irial agus Odhrán, a hiníonacha Clíona Mhic Giolla Chuda, Áine Uí Fhoghlú, agus Fianait Uí Bhriain, a gcéilí agus a bpáirtnéirí; clann a clainne: Fionn, Niamh, Oisín, Dónal, Caoilfhionn,

OBITUARY Doireann, Tadhg, Liadain, Diarmuid, Fiachna, Cormac, Eithne, Oisín, Naoise, Fíona, Conall; a gclann san agus clann a gclainne; deirfiúr Dhóirín, Monica Keeton, Kent, Sasana; a clann agus gaolta eile. Léifear Aifreann do Chuimhneachán Míosa Dhóirín i séipéal na Rinne ar a 7.30 in ar an Luan, 29 Nollaig. It was with great sadness that word began to spread early on the morning of Friday, November 28th last, that the unexpected death of Dóirín Mhic Mhurchú had occurred in University Hospital Waterford. Dóirín was an inspirational lady who left a positive legacy both near and far. Dóirín was born in Liverpool on the 20th June, 1930, and her family moved to Bailieborough, Co. Cavan, when her father and mother, Dr. Denis and Marie-Thérèse Harding bought a house and medical practice in the town. Dóirín’s other siblings were Kevin who died in infancy, and Monica who survives her. Dóirín first heard the Irish language at a young age from her father before starting at school, and afterwards while working for Dublin Corporation in the early 1950s she began to attend classes in Dublin. It was there that she met her future husband Éamonn Mac Murchú (died 1991) and soon afterwards they were married. In 1960 they went to live in Australia and spent three years there, first in Brisbane and then in the wilderness of the Bush in Queensland. They were raising their children through Irish all the while, and on returning to Ireland their strong desire was to locate their family in a Gaeltacht area. When Gael-Linn offered Éamonn the job of manager in the local CoOperative shop An Stór in 1964, they both knew that they had found their true and lasting home. Before long they were fully immersed in the community life of the area. Dóirín was blessed with many talents and she was pioneering in her time in that she managed to do various jobs, enjoy her talents and raise a family at the same time. She was a writer, reader, hand crafter, musician, dancer and singer. She was an accomplished freelance journalist who provided news and feature articles to national and local newspapers and RTÉ. But it was as a sports reporter with Raidió na Gaeltachta that she is best remembered, for a period of twenty years from the inception of that station, and in an era when no other woman was involved in the profession. Dóirín was an ardent member of Comhaltas Ceoltóirí Éireann and won prizes at Fleadhanna Ceoil for tin whistle and newly-composed ballads in Irish and in English. She encouraged the younger generation to participate in music and song. She held officer positions in the local GAA Club and was elected to the Waterford County Board as Irish Language Officer. She always supported the local team and won a County medal herself as full forward on the An Rinn camogie team. She took part in many organisations, among them were The Irish Countrywomen’s Association, Gaeltacht Civil Rights, Dungarvan Museum Society, Waterford Historical Society and many more. For ten years she worked voluntarily every Friday in the Irish Wheelchair Shop in Dungarvan and for many years she knitted garments for Oxfam’s charity work in Africa. Dóirín had a great aptitude for languages and spoke five fluently. She had a great love of travel and her holiday and research trips abroad are too numerous to mention here. She spent years as a teacher of typing and languages in Meánscoil San Nioclás. In 1994 her book ‘Bealach na Bó Finne’, a work of research into the historical pilgrimage of the Irish to Compostella in Spain was published. She held the Republican prisoners in Portlaoise and in England in high esteem and never forgot them at Christmas whether by visits or cards and parcels. Dóirín attended Mass in An Rinn every Sunday without fail and she regularly read God’s Word from the altar. For years she sang and played the organ with the church choir. She was steadfast and staunch in her faith and if anyone ever had a place in Heaven, she must surely have now. May she have eternal rest now that her journey here is complete. A huge crowd including friends and neighbours from near and far attended the house between Saturday night and Monday morning. On Sunday evening Fr. Conor Kelly, P.P., An Rinn, led the Rosary. Funeral Mass was held on Monday, 1st December, and Fr. Kelly was assisted by concelebrants Fr. Matt Cooney and Fr. Gerry Horan, O.S.A. Cór na bhFear and Meánscoil students sang under the direction of Dearán Ó Droma. Ann Mulqueen sang a song written by Dóirín ‘Ceann Heilvic go hArd’, Seán Mac Craith sang the Our Father and Eoghan Breathnach sang the Responsorial Salm. Dóirín’s grandsons Fionn Mac Giolla Chuda and Tadhg Ó Foghlú played slow airs on fiddle and tin whistle during Offertory and Communion and Mac Dara Mac Donnchadha played one of Dóirín’s favourite airs ‘The Death of Staker Wallace’ as her body was brought out of the church by her three daughters and three granddaughters. Dóirín’s friends Pauline McPartland and Eibhlín Uí Dhonnchadh did a beautiful flower arrangement in the Church. Fianait Uí Bhriain (daughter) and Liadain Ní Fhoghlú (granddaughter) did the readings. Oisín Ó hAllacháin (grandson), Fíona Ní Bhriain (grand-daughter), Eithne Nic Mhurchú (grand-daughter), Clíona Mhic Giolla Chuda (daughter), Arthur O’Hara (nephew), Odhrán Mac Murchadha (son) and Oisín Mac Giolla Chuda (grandson) read Prayers of the Faithful. Áine Uí Fhoghlú (daughter) read a eulogy at the end of Mass. Teachers and students in uniform lined up outside Meánscoil San Nioclás as the funeral passed, while the local GAA Club and past pupils held a guard of honour outside the Church. It was clear from the huge attendance that Dóirín was highly respected and loved both near and far. Among those who attended were sporting legend Mícheál Ó Muircheartaigh; senior officers of the GAA from Croke Park; Director General of Comhaltas Ceoltóirí Éireann, Labhrás Ó Murchú; Head of TG4, Pól Ó Gallchóir; Head of Raidió na Gaeltachta, Edel Ní Chuirreáin; Chief Executive of Údarás na Gaeltachta, Steve Ó Cúláin and many others from the worlds of journalism, sport and music. David Kiely Undertakers conducted the funeral proceedings with great efficiency and Michael and Mary Burke of Lawlor’s Hotel provided an outstanding meal in Halla an Phobail after the burial. Dóirín’s family will be forever indebted to their friends and neighbours from all over the parish and further afield who came in huge numbers offering support and sympathy. They are also grateful to the Nurses and Doctors in University Hospital Waterford and St. Joseph’s Hospital, Dungarvan, as well as to Dr. Tom Higgins. Mass will be said for the intentions of all. Mourners are: Dóirín’s sons Irial and Odhrán; daughters Clíona Mhic Giolla Chuda, Áine Uí Fhoghlú, Fianait Uí Bhriain; spouses and partners; grandchildren: Fionn, Niamh, Oisín, Dónal, Caoilfhionn, Doireann, Tadhg, Liadain, Diarmuid, Fiachna, Cormac, Eithne, Oisín, Naoise, Fíona, Conall; great grandchildren; great-great grandson; Dóirín’s sister Monica Keeton, Kent, England; Monica’s family and other relatives. Month’s Mind Mass will be read for the repose of Dóirín’s soul in Séipéal na Rinne at 7.30 p.m. on Monday, 29th December. (Funeral arrangements by James Kiely & Sons, Funeral Directors, Dungarvan).

Dungarvan Observer | Friday, 19 December, 2014

MICHAEL SCANLON 50 Lios an Oir, Hospital Lane, Lismore It is with profound sorrow we record the passing of Michael Scanlon, 50 Lios an Oir, Hospital Lane, Lismore, Co. Waterford, which sad event occurred unexpectedly on 17th November, 2014. Michael was born in August 1933 to Margaret and Michael Scanlon of Chapel Street, Lismore, the second youngest of seven children. His father died when he was only 7 years old, leaving his mum to bring up the children alone. When Michael finished school, times were not easy in Ireland. He had a number of jobs, both here in Lismore at the Castle and elsewhere and in the UK. Eventually, he settled to living with his sister Aida in Letchworth, working at Chater and Leigh, a small engineering firm nearby. The relationship with the love of his life – Mary (nee Ryan) was blossoming helped by tea and cake at Lyons Tea Houses in London. They were married in 1958 and settled in Arlesey, a small village in Bedfordshire. Children started to arrive, Michael in 1959 followed by Tom in 1960 and Helen in 1962.Then persuaded by his elder brother Danny, already living in Coventry, they moved to the Midlands with the offer of a job at Rolls Royce and the opportunity to buy a house in Potters Green. The move was a great success, more children followed, Sara, Leo, Jacinta and finally Tim in 1970. Michael was always a very practical man, a ‘doer and a maker’. He spent hours in his garden and later in the shed he built in his garden. He had a meticulous attention to detail, a great quality that all his family inherited from him in various ways. On retirement both Michael and Mary decided to return to Ireland to their native Lismore. Michael will be remembered as a man who lived for others, ever happiest in the midst of his family, surrounded by his children and grandchildren. Michael will be remembered with love and gratitude by his family for the rest of their lives. Lying in repose at his home, 50 Lios An Oir, Hospital Lane, Lismore, Rosary was recited by Rev. Fr. M. Cullinan, P.P., on Wednesday evening in the presence of his loving family, relatives neighbours and friends. On Thursday evening, in the presence of his loving family, Rev. Fr. M. Cullinan, P.P., recited funeral prayers followed by removal to St. Carthage’s Church, Lismore. On arrival his remains were received and blessed by Rev. Fr. M. Cullinan, P.P. Funeral Mass was celebrated on Friday morning by Rev. Fr. M. Cullinan, P.P. Readings during the Mass were recited by nephews Thomas Hancock and John O’Flynn. Prayers of the Faithful were recited by niece Rosaleen Murphy. Offertory Gifts (water, wine and Michael’s walking stick) were presented to the Altar by grandchildren Jane Scanlon, Beth Bamford and Finlay Scanlon. Dina Walshe provided a lovely selection of hymns and music throughout the Mass. Michael Scanlon delivered a fitting tribute and appreciation to his father – a true gentleman. Following Funeral Mass burial took place in St. Carthage’s Cemetery, Lismore. Rev. Fr. M. Cullinan, P.P., officiated the graveside prayers where Michael was laid to rest in the presence of his loving family, relatives, neighbours and friends. May he rest in peace. May we extend our deepest sympathy to his loving wife Mary (nee Ryan); sons Michael James, Thomas, Leo and Tim; daughters Helen Margaret, Sara, Jacinta; sisters Ann Hancock (Tallow) and Kathleen O’Flynn (Fethard); daughters-in-law Sara, Debbie and Nicolette; sonsin-law Chris Bamford and Alan Gaynor; brothers-in-law Tony, Richard and Maurice Ryan; sisters-in-law Patricia, Glenys and Marie; grandchildren, great-grandchild, nephews, nieces, relatives, neighbours and friends. Month’s Mind Mass will be celebrated on Sunday, 21st December, 2014, in St. Carthage’s Church, Lismore, at 11.00 a.m. (Funeral arrangements by Aidan Walsh & Sons, Funeral Directors, Cappoquin & Tallow).

PADDY O’DWYER The Grove, Abbeyside and formerly of Bansha, Co. Tipperary Great sadness was evoked with the passing of Paddy O’Dwyer on Wednesday, 10th December, 2014, peacefully, at the Sacred Heart Unit, Dungarvan Community Hospital. In his 96th year, Paddy was a highly respected member of the local community.We express our sincere sympathy to his devoted wife Una; sons and daughter, Philip, Mary, Tom, Patrick, Paul and Denis; his sister Mary Quirke (Booleen, Bansha); sonsin-law, daughters-in-law, his fifteen grandchildren and one great-grandchild, nephews, nieces, other relatives and friends. Paddy lay in repose at the Kiely Funeral Home, Dungarvan, on Friday evening where Rosary and prayers were recited. Requiem Mass in thanksgiving for Paddy’s life was con-celebrated on Saturday morning in St. Augustine’s Church, Abbeyside, by Fr. N. Hassett, P.P., assisted by Fr. R. Doherty, A.P. Afterwards Paddy was laid to rest in the adjoining cemetery. May he rest in peace. (Funeral arrangements by James Kiely & Sons, Funeral Directors, Dungarvan).


Dungarvan Observer | Friday, 19 December, 2014

JOHNNIE ENRIGHT Mitchell Street, Dungarvan and Coolagh Road, Abbeyside Johnnie attended national school at the Pond, Abbeyside and secondary school at the CBS, Dungarvan. Johnnie worked for Power’s Brewery before moving to Dublin to work with CIE in the late 1950’s, returning to Abbeyside in 1970 where he worked for Keane’s Brewery and Bridge Motors before opening a restaurant and take-away, Johnnie’s Southern Fry on the Causeway. He went on to own the Gold Coast public house in Ballinacourty, and worked in Shaws Department Store before retiring in 1988. Johnnie married Pauline O’Regan in 1964 and they had four children - twin girls Finia and Kealin,Tom and John-Kerry and three much loved grandchildren – Ciara, Seán and Aisling. Johnnie had a great interest in sport, particularly in GAA and Kerry football. He enjoyed horse racing and loved to attend the Listowel Races. His favourite sport however was greyhound coursing and he was Vice-President of Dungarvan Coursing Club for many years. In his youth Johnnie played GAA for Abbeyside and the CBS, scoring 2-2 at corner forward in a Dean Ryan cup final win in 1951 on a team captained by his great friend Austin Flynn. In May 1975, Johnnie and Pauline were devastated by the tragic loss of their 10 year old twin daughters in a car accident in which local woman Ann O’Riordain and three American tourists also lost their lives. Johnnie devoted much of his time over many years caring for Pauline who was injured in the accident. Pauline repaid this devotion by caring for Johnnie after he had a stroke in 2012, even though she was not well herself. Johnnie was always good humoured and enjoyed socialising with his wide circle of friends.While born in Abbeyside, he regarded himself very much as a Kerryman like his father and remained an avid supporter of Kerry football throughout his life. Johnnie passed away following a long illness at Dungarvan Community Hospital with his family by his side on 10th November, 2014. Johnnie was much loved and will be very sadly missed by his sons Tom and John-Kerry, daughters-in-law Noreen and Tara, grandchildren Ciara, Seán and Aisling, brothers, sisters- and brothers-in-law, extended family and many friends. Removal took place from Drohan’s Funeral Home to Abbeyside Church and a guard of honour was provided by AbbeysideBallinacourty GAA Club. The chief celebrant for the Requiem Mass was Johnnie’s brother Fr. Michael Enright assisted by a number of priests including Fr. Ned Hassett, P.P. and Fr. Jerry Condon, P.P. and the Removal was also attended by the Most Reverend Bishop William Lee. Johnnie was laid to rest in Ballinroad cemetery. The family would like to express a special thanks to the staff and residents of St. Enda’s Ward at Dungarvan Community Hospital for their great care and kindness to Johnnie during the past two years. Ar dheis Dé go raibh a anam dílís. Month’s Mind Mass will be celebrated on Sunday, 28th December at 10.00 a.m. in Ballinroad Church.

OBITUARY MARY KATE CROWLEY (nee McKeon) Ballydwan, Stradbally It is with great sadness that we record the passing of Mary Kate Crowley (nee McKeon), Ballydwan, Stradbally, Co. Waterford, at CareChoice Nursing Home, Dungarvan, on December 1st, 2014. Mary Kate was born on the 29th April, 1925 in Ballydwan, the youngest child to her parents Michael and Catherine McKeon, and is predeceased by her husband John and sisters Ellen (Nellie) and Ann McKeon. She attended primary school at the Old Schoolhouse in Ballinarrid along with her sisters and later at the Convent of Mercy in Stradbally. Having completed her formal education, Mary Kate took up employment at Stradbally Post Office which was run by the Hannigan Sisters. In 1950 she met and married John Crowley from Inchigeelagh, West Cork, one of two Crowley brothers who had moved to Ballycraddock, Dunhill, complete with Steam Engine and Treshing Set to work on farms in the East Waterford/South Kilkenny area. Together Mary Kate and John farmed at Ballydwan and raised a family of four children, Rita,Tadgh, Ann and Michael. Life dealt a cruel blow when, in 1975 John died, leaving Mary Kate with a young family and farm to run. In later life, Mary Kate got the opportunity to travel to many places in Europe and the United States. She enjoyed the company of her sister Ann wo returned from the US to retire to her native Ballydwan. Mary Kate took great pleasure in seeing her grandchildren grow up and they have many good memories of a kind and loving grandmother. Due to ill health, Mary Kate went to reside at CareChoice Nursing Home, Dungarvan, where she spent her final years in the excellent care of the staff. Mary Kate passed peacefully to her eternal reward on Monday evening, December 1st, surrounded by her family. Rosary was recited in Drohan’s Funeral Home on Tuesday, 2nd December, by Sr. Eileen Troy and family members. On Wednesday, 3rd December, after a large cortege of mourners paid their respects, removal took place to St. Anne’s Church, Ballylaneen, where Mary Kate’s remains were received by Fr. J. Condon, P.P. Requiem Mass was celebrated on Thursday, 4th December. The chief celebrant was Fr. Condon, P.P., assisted by Fr. M.Walsh, P.E. Readings were delivered by her grandchild Aine O’Brien and niece/God-daughter Breda Kirwan. Prayers of the Faithful were read by Mary Kate’s grandchildren Donal O’Brien, Ger Crowley, Clodagh Buckley and Michelle Crowley. The offertory gifts were presented by Lynn and Danielle Crowley, grand-daughters. Appropriate hymns and music were provided by Mrs. Dina Walsh. Following Requiem Mass Mary Kate was laid to rest in the adjoining cemetery. We express our deepest sympathy to Mary Kate’s daughters Rita and Ann; sons Tadgh and Michael; sister Rita Kavanagh; sons-in-law John O’Brien and Liam Buckley; daughters-in-law Mary and Martha Crowley; grandchildren Aisling, Cathal, Aine and Donal O’Brien, Claire, Ger and Diarmuid Crowley, Aoife, Clodagh and William Buckley, Michelle, John, Lynn and Danielle Crowley; great grandchildren Sean, Darragh and Oisin Osborne; nieces, nephews, relatives and friends. Ar dheis Dé go raibh a hanam. (Funeral arrangements by Tom Drohan, Funeral Directors, Dungarvan).

MICHAEL RIORDAN Cathal Brugha Place, Dungarvan It is with sadness and regret we record the passing of Michael Riordan, Cathal Brugha Place, Dungarvan, Co. Waterford, son of the late Tony, which sad event occurred on 7th December, 2014. Reposing at his home on Wednesday, Rosary was recited by Sr. Eileen in the presence of his loving family, relatives, neighbours and friends. On Thursday morning Rev. Fr. Harris, C.C., recited funeral prayers before removal took place to St. Mary’s Parish Church, Dungarvan. The coffin was shouldered by his brothers and nephews through Cathal Brugha Place as Elvis played. Michael had a great love of Elvis’ music. On arrival his remains were received and blessed by Rev. Fr. Harris, C.C.; Rev. Fr. W. Ryan, P.P., and Fr. M. Cooney, O.S.A. Funeral Mass was celebrated by Rev. Fr. Harris, C.C., and was assisted Fr. M. Cooney, O.S.A. During the Mass readings and Prayers of the Faithful were recited by family members. Jim Drummy, on behalf of the Pigeon Club, gave an oration. Following Funeral Mass burial took place in the adjoining cemetery. Rev. Fr. Harris, C.C., officiated the graveside prayers where Michael was laid to rest in the presence of his loving family, relatives and his many friends. As Michael’s coffin was lowered, his fellow Pigeon Club members left Pigeons set flight over the grave and once again Elvis was played at the graveside. A lovely tribute to Michael. May he rest in peace. We extend our deepest sympathy to his loving mother Eileen (nee O’Donoghue); daughters Lisa Marie, Jenny and Christine; brothers Tony and Danny; sisters Margaret, Eileen and Joanne; uncles, aunts, brothers-in-law, sisters-in-law, nephews, nieces, relatives, neighbours and friends. (Funeral arrangements by Aidan Walsh & Sons, Funeral Directors, Cappoquin & Tallow).

MARY HAYES 8 Davis Mews, Dungarvan, and formerly of Grange, Kilmallock, Co. Limerick It is with deep regret that we record the passing of Mary Hayes, 8 Davis Mews, Dungarvan, which sad event occurred at University Hospital Waterford on 19th November, 2014. Mary, a loving, gentle and hard working lady, was employed in various hospitals in England over a 25 year period and took great pride in never having missed a day’s work during her entire time there. She retired to Ireland 27 years ago and took great joy from the simple things in life – her home, watching comedies on television and following the Royal family in the media and in books. She will be deeply missed by all who loved her. May she rest in peace. Reposing at Drohan’s Funeral Home, Rosary was recited on Thursday evening, 20th November. Removal took place on Friday morning to St. Mary’s Parish Church where Funeral Mass on arrival was celebrated by Fr. Harris, C.C. Readings were recited by Tara Hayes and Niamh Hayes (grand-nieces). Burial took place later in Grange Cemetery, Kilmallock, Co. Limerick. Chief mourners were: Tom (brother); Noreen (sister-in-law); Tara and Niamh (grand-nieces); Tony (nephew) and Rose. (Funeral arrangements were by Tom Drohan, Funeral Directors, Dungarvan).

55 JOAN COFFEY (nee Lynch) Springmount, Dungarvan We learned with great sadness of the passing of Joan Coffey on Sunday, 23rd November, at Dungarvan Community Hospital. Just a few days short of her 79th birthday Joan was a very active member of the local community and packed so much into her lifetime. Born in 1935 in Scart, Cappagh, she grew up during the war years with rationing and austerity an everyday feature of life. She knew the hardship of walking to school in all weathers, cooking on a fire and making the best of very basic facilities and minimal resources. She told many stories of nights spent with her family and friends, singing songs, reciting poems and doing recitations. Maybe it was her humble beginnings that gave her a lifelong love for the simple things shared with family. Her favourite nights were always the ones spent at home with children and grandchildren singing songs and telling stories. She was just 19 years old when she married her husband Tom and together they set about building a life together. They worked hardTom working all day at the job and Joan keeping the house and rearing children and at night they would start again making products that would be delivered by Joan the next day. From those humble beginnings they built up their customer base and celebrated 50 years in business in February of this year. She was a great cook and homemaker and was always ready to help anyone who needed it. Joan was well known locally as she spent many years as a member of Ballinroad ICA. She loved performing in the plays and variety shows that were held and even wrote her own plays from time to time. For many years Joan enjoyed racing in competitive go karting and in 1967 won the All-Ireland “Driver of the Year”, including both men and women. Indeed, she was very proud of an article that a national women’s magazine subsequently penned about her great successes. Always community spirited Joan dedicated many years to working with the local Stroke Club where she would help organise outings and day trips, tea, parties and entertainment. She enjoyed that role very much but she was perhaps best known for her time spent helping at St. Mary’s Parish Church. One could not count the amount of times she decorated the church with flowers, read at Mass or the number of Mondays she spent in the church counting the collection from the preceding weekend. She truly lived the Gospel message in word and deed - helping families prepare for christenings and visiting their homes. It was maybe this role that she loved most of all. So many memories have been shared since Joan’s passing; she has left a wonderful legacy to her family and wide circle of friends. Her laughter and her kindness will be remembered by so many; indeed the huge numbers who came to pay their respects and console the bereaved are a fitting testament to the great esteem in which she was held in the local community. Joan is sadly missed by her husband Tom, her children Noel, Mairéad, Mary, Majella, Jacqui, Jill and Joyce, her grandchildren, her sister Kathleen, extended family and friends. May Joan rest in peace. On Monday evening, November 24th, Rosary and Prayers were recited at Joan’s residence in the presence of a large gathering of family and friends. Removal took place on Tuesday morning November 25th to St. Mary’s Parish Church where on arrival Requiem Mass was celebrated by Canon W. Ryan, P.P. The Funeral Pall was placed by Mairéad Horgan, Mary McGrath, Majella Coffey-Morrissey, Jacqui O’Connell, Jill Saunder and Joyce Coffey-Wall (all daughters). Personal items with significance in Joan’s life were presented at the Altar;Tommy and Leah Wall (both grandchildren) brought a lectionary from St. Mary’s and a white carnation from her garden. The Liturgy of the Word was shared by Evelyn Coffey and Olivia Curran (both granddaughters). The Prayers of the Faithful were read by David McGrath, Derek McGrath, Matt Saunder and Robbie Wall (all grandchildren). Offertory Gifts of Bread and Wine were presented by Timmy Hyslop and Geraldine Drummy. After Communion moving words of gratitude were delivered by Jill Saunder (daughter). Throughout the Mass appropriate hymns were sung and played by Sinéad Kiely and Darragh Kiely. To the strains of How Great Thou Art, Joan’s coffin was rolled down the aisle of the Church by her daughters. Afterwards Joan was shouldered to her place of rest by Noel Coffey (son); David McGrath (son-in-law); Derek McGrath (grandson); Rob Wall (son-in-law); Dave O’Connell (son-in-law) and Albert Morrissey (son-in-law). Canon Ryan, P.P., imparted the graveside blessing assisted by Fr. M. Cooney, O.S.A. and Fr. J. Harris, C.C. Month’s Mind Mass for Joan will be celebrated on Sunday, 21st December, at 12 noon in St. Mary’s Parish Church, Dungarvan. (Funeral arrangements by James Kiely & Sons, Funeral Directors, Dungarvan).

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FARMING

Dungarvan Observer | Friday, 12 September, 2014

FARMING

Round-up … CSO figures show serious income problem at farm level

At the IFA meeting with Aurivo in Sligo this week were (l. to r.): IFA General Secretary Pat Smith, Aurivo CEO Aaron Forde, IFA President Eddie Downey, Aurivo Chairman Tom Cunniffe, IFA National Dairy Chairman Sean O’Leary.

IFA meetings with Co-ops focus on how they will support farmers through difficult months IFA President Eddie Downey and National Dairy Committee Chairman Sean O’Leary have in recent weeks embarked on a series of meetings with all the main processing co-ops to examine with them in detail how they propose to support milk suppliers through likely difficult months in 2015, as poor market and milk prices coincide with the end of quotas. Having already met with Glanbia Plc and GII, and the Kerry Group in recent weeks, the IFA delegation met this week with Aurivo Co-op and the Carbery Group (owned by the four West Cork Co-ops). Other co-ops will be met in January. Eddie Downey said: “I am very clear that the long term outlook for the dairy

sector is very positive, with strong global demand growth expected to outpace growth in output for the foreseeable future. I am however, equally clear that there will be times just like we are experiencing right now, where economic, weather or political factors can disrupt the supply/demand balance and create extreme negative price volatility. The only way the Irish dairy sector will succeed in capitalising on the global market opportunities is if all stakeholders – co-ops, banks, input suppliers, advisory services, Government, and especially the EU - play their part in providing support for farmers to transition out of quotas with an improved ability to manage volatile incomes”. Sean O’Leary added:

“2015 will be tough on dairy farmers, with poor prices, superlevy fines and tax liabilities seriously disrupting normal cash flow. Investment plans may need to be reviewed, with elements potentially rescheduled”. “While IFA is engaging with banks, Teagasc, Government and especially the EU Commission to address respectively flexible finance, quality business and budgeting advice, taxation and market supports in crises, we are clear that coops are the most important stakeholder of all. They are the purchaser of the farmers’ milk and therefore their primary source of income, they are often (rightly or wrongly) the first port of call of farmers for merchant credit, and in many cases their preferred supplier of

inputs,” he said. “We are exploring with each one of the co-ops we are meeting their plans to sustain the maximum possible milk price, to provide very keenly priced inputs and to deal with outstanding credit situations case by case. We are also mindful that they will need to provide a degree of advisory service to help farmers cope with low incomes in 2015. It is important that the industry would further help farmers manage risk by designing price hedging and/or fixed margin contract options on a voluntary basis. We are very clear that a cohesive strategy by coops will be crucial to keep dairy farmers afloat this coming year, in the knowledge that markets will recover, most likely before year end,” he concluded.

No planting policy and threat response plan delays in hen harrier SPAs are unacceptable MICHAEL Fleming, IFA Farm Forestry Chairman has said the delays in developing the Hen Harrier Threat Response Plan are unacceptable and severely damaging the image of NATURA among farmers. Farmers can no longer accept the no-planting policy in Hen Harrier SPAs while the National Parks and Wildlife Service (NPWS) drag their feet developing the Threat Response Plan. “It is almost two years since the Forest Management Protocol for Forestry in Hen Harrier SPAs was suspended by the NPWS”, said Mr. Fleming. “The lack of progress is very frustrating for farmers, whose land has already been significantly devalued by

the designation and who are now being denied an opportunity to earn an income. The NPWS have only recently invited stakeholders to participate in a Consultative Committee on the Hen Harrier Threat Response Plan, with no date set for the first meeting”. “The NPWS has shown complete contempt for farmers in Hen Harrier SPAs and research from University College Cork shows that there is no justification for the suspension of the Forest Management Protocol”, said Mr Fleming. “The research showed that the safeguards agreed in the protocol were working and the small afforestation programme were not negatively

impacting the Hen Harrier population. The protocol assigned a very small annual afforestation quota that allowed farmers to plant less than 0.2% in the six designated SPA per annum”. IFA is meeting with Heather Humphreys, Minister for Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht next week to ask that the Forest Management Protocol for Hen Harrier SPAs be reinstated while the Hen Harrier Threat Response Plan is being developed. Hen Harrier SPAs are areas that were historically partly under forests, so limited new forests, carefully established and managed as foreseen in the protocol, would actually improve the Hen Harrier status.

IFA PRESIDENT Eddie Downey, said that the Farm Income figures for 2014 starkly illustrate the disconnect between the increasing contribution of agriculture to the economy and the returns that farmers themselves are receiving. Mr Downey said, “Today’s CSO figures, which show a drop of 1% in farm incomes nationally for 2014, come less than a week after Teagasc’s projections for 2015, which show that farm enterprises across all sectors are facing another very challenging year, with particular concerns for the dairy sector”. He said, “The depressing reality is that in 2014 conditions were right for farmers to generate a good income from their farms; favourable weather conditions, reduced input volumes, a fall in input costs and an increase in output for most sectors. That farm incomes did not improve in 2014 is almost single handedly down to the fall in prices farmers received for their products, across almost all sectors, including beef, dairy, pigmeat, cereals and potatoes”. He said, “Farmers rightly feel aggrieved that their output has contributed in a significant way to Ireland’s economic recovery through the growth in value of agrifood exports and employment growth, but their incomes have remained static over the past three years”. Mr Downey said, “The new agri-strategy 2025, which will be developed over the coming months, must put as a priority an increase in farm profitability. Change must come from outside of the farm-gate, in addition to farmers increasing their onfarm efficiency. This must include increased price transparency across the food supply chain, greater bargaining powers for primary producers, and real actions to tackle input costs”. The IFA President also noted the drop in direct payments and said funding under Rural Development would have to increase in the coming years. “We also need to see immediate approval in Brussels for the new Rural Development Plan and the opening of GLAS, with significant payments in 2015.” Mr Downey concluded, “Farmers will play their part, as they did in Food Harvest 2020, in contributing to the overall growth of the agri-food sector, but unless there is a sustained increase in profitability across the primary agriculture sector, these growth targets will not be met”.

Minister Coveney must ensure that all beef forum outcomes are fully implemented IFA President Eddie Downey has welcomed the statement from Agriculture Minister Simon Coveney that there can be no delay or side-stepping in the implementation of the outcomes from the Beef Forum. He said IFA has made it very clear that the Minister must ensure that all of the agreed outcomes from the beef forum are fully implemented, in line with the timeframes laid down. Eddie Downey said there is an urgency

to progress the issue on the Quality Assurance incentive, which is due to be implemented from January 1st. “IFA has requested Minister Coveney to get the Department of Agriculture to arrange and chair an immediate meeting in line with the procedure agreed in the Beef Forum on this issue. Both IFA and MII consider it is very important that the Department of Agriculture be involved in this process.” Eddie Downey said IFA has raised a number of issues with the Minister where individual meat plants have imposed dual base prices around non-Quality Assured stock and weight penalties contrary to what was agreed at the Beef Forum. Eddie Downey told the Minister that this is a very serious issue that he must take up with directly with MII and the factories. Eddie Downey said the Beef Forum outcome is very clear and states: “processors agree there will be no dual base pricing for steers or heifers in individual processing plants, by breed, age or weight or Quality Assurance status.”The Beef Forum outcome also states: “Processors will agree not to impose any price penalties on any animals based on weight up to 31st December, 2015.” IFA National Livestock Chairman Henry Burns said cattle prices remain stable with factories paying 5c to 10c over quoted prices. He said the Department of Agriculture reported prices for last week, December 7th, show the average R3 steer price at €3.94/kg and top prices paid of €4.04/4.05 including bonuses. He said the Department heifer prices show the factories paid an average of €4.07/kg for R3 heifers with top prices including bonuses of €4.19/kg. Henry Burns said farmers are also negotiating improved deals on over 30 month stock and bulls with flat prices of €3.90 to €4.00/kg being paid.

Report on EirGrid’s consultation with communities must result in significant changes IFA Environment and Rural Affairs Chairman Harold Kingston has described the findings of a recent report, which reviewed EirGrid’s community consultation process, as confirmation that EirGrid has not listened to or genuinely engaged with key stakeholders such as farmers and rural communities. He said “IFA has always tried to engage constructively with infrastructure developments. However, it is difficult to see how EirGrid can retrospectively impose a new consultation on the thousands of families in the catchments of the North South project in the north east, the Grid Link project and the Grid West project and expect communities to trust them. IFA will robustly represent the interest of farm families in any new consultations with EirGrid”. Harold Kingston said, “If EirGrid is to regain the confidence of rural communities, they will have to pursue an alternative strategy, which replicates the eight decades of community engagement carried out by ESB when delivering electricity infrastructure in this country”.


FARMING

Dungarvan Observer | Friday, 19 December, 2014

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ICSA welcomes Minister’s statement on beef agreement ICSA has welcomed Minister Coveney’s reminder that as part of the recent beef roundtable deal, processors agreed that there would be no dual base pricing for steers and heifers in individual plants regardless of breed, age, weight or quality assurance status. “In the light of recent reports of factories quoting

Pictured at a Smart Farming Seminar hosted by IFA in Portlaoise recently are (l-r): Thomas Ryan, Environment and Rural Affairs Executive; Karina Pierce, UCD; Eileen O’Leary, Farm Energy Specialist; Jane Brogan, EPA; Mark Plunkett, Teagasc; and Harold Kingston, Environment and Rural Affairs Chairman. The Seminar examined how farmers can improve returns through better resource management.

Smart Farming delivers real returns for farmers while safeguarding the environment By Harold Kingston A NATIONAL seminar recently held in Portlaoise focused on ways to improve farm returns through better resource management. The seminar was part of an initiative led by IFA called Smart Farming, which brings together the knowledge of Teagasc, UCD, SEAI, EPA and others, and communicates it in a targeted way in an effort to improve farm incomes. And it delivers results. During 2014, over 600 farmers across the country participated in this voluntary initiative. The farmers who partook in the on-farm cost saving studies were all members of discussion groups. The average cost saving was a substantial €6,600. These savings were delivered by focusing on doing things better in eight key areas: feed, grassland, water, inputs and time management, soil fertility, regular machinery maintenance, and energy use. SOIL FERTILITY Addressing soil fertility remains a key issue on many farms. Mark Plunkett from Teagasc explained at the seminar that by correcting soil pH and regularly liming, farmers

can get an extra €180 per acre. This would come from the increased production of good quality grass, which is almost four times cheaper than concentrates, as a feedstuff. The opportunity to achieve this is significant with only 10% of soils having optimal lime, phosphorous and potassium levels. The first step to achieving this is soil sampling. This time of the year can be ideal for sampling, which should take place every 3 to 5 years. Samples should be taken every 5 to 10 acres, with a minimum of 20 soil cores. The average cost for soil sampling is 50c/acre per year and if an extra €180 per acre can be got by responding to the results then its good value for money. FEED COSTS Karina Pierce from UCD, highlighted the fact that feed costs are the biggest variable cost on livestock farms. Therefore, it is critical to reduce feed costs by focusing on the most important things: making good quality silage and buying the most suitable rations. It’s not always possible to make the best silage due to weather and contractor availability. However, it is worth considering that the amount of concentrates that a dairy

cow requires will increase by 4% for each 1% decline in silage quality (dry matter digestibility). The figures are similar for other livestock. Key to remember is that the cheapest ration is not always the best value. When thinking about buying rations, the things to consider are the energy, protein, mineral and fibre content; with energy content being most important. Remember, high protein does not mean high energy and high crude protein does not tell us anything about the quality of protein. Bottom line, you should ask the merchant for the list of the ingredients and the quantity of each per tonne. ENERGY With over €500m being spent on energy each year by farmers, cost savings can be made here as well. Eileen O’Leary from the Clean Technology Centre in Cork Institute of Technology advised that any farmer who uses more than 20% of electricity between 11 p.m. and 8 a.m. at this time of the year should look at installing a night rate meter. This would reduce the cost of electricity during these times by almost 50%. Improvements can also be made by examining energy use

and considering using energy efficient light bulbs around the farm. ENHANCING THE ENVIRONMENT Smart Farming is now in its second year, with the cost saving studies beginning this year in Vicarstown, Co. Cork. The initiative is delivering real cost savings for farmers but it is also enhancing the rural countryside. Measures adopted by farmers who participated will result in: less risk of runoff to water courses, extended grazing on grass, better targeting of fertilizer application, reduced energy and inputs use, reduced greenhouse gas emissions from the sector and continued compliance with environmental obligations. This is sustainable intensification in action. Delivering the double dividend of saving farmers money and maximising output, while protecting the environment. Applications to have a free onfarm cost saving study completed on your farm can be made to smartfarming@ifa.ie or 014260343. Harold Kingston is Chairman of the IFA Environment & Rural Affairs Committee

Farmers must not be used to subsidise water charge reductions ICSA president Patrick Kent has said that it would be intolerable if current water charges for farmers were to increase as a result of the formation of Irish

Water. “Farmers have been paying for water for years, either via the public supply system, through group water schemes or through

the cost of providing their own supply, and have put up with it,” said Mr. Kent. “However, there is concern that these charges may increase under Irish Water,

something that would be completely unacceptable. Farmers must not be used to subsidise cuts to the original planned charges for households.”

“Drystock farmers in particular have taken huge financial hits in recent years, and any increase in their water charges would be a step too far.”

different base prices for non-quality assured animals, the Minister’s statement is welcome,” said ICSA beef chairman Edmond Phelan. “It is vitally important that all stakeholders adhere to and fully implement both the letter and the spirit of the agreement if farmers are to have any faith in the process.”

Hayes announces Government approval of new Forestry Programme 2014-2020 TOM HAYES,T.D., Minister of State at the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine with responsibility for forestry, announced that the Government has approved the new Forestry Programme covering the period 2014 – 2020.The new programme will consist of 11 separate measures and will involve total new spending of €262 million and a further €220 million in future commitments from 2020, mostly in relation to premium payments. Welcoming the Government’s approval of the Forestry Programme, the Minister commented that “their approval of the new programme is an important milestone for the future development of the sector and a vote of confidence in an industry which contributed €2.3 billion to GDP in 2012.” Minister of State Hayes added that “the new programme strikes a balance between meeting the needs of a growing export led processing sector and the need to maximise the environmental and social benefits that can be delivered by forestry and enjoyed by society.” The objective of the programme is to support the planting of over 43,000 hectares of new forests which will make an important contribution towards meeting climate emission targets through carbon sequestration and fossil fuel replacement. The new afforestation scheme in particular will be welcomed by both landowners and the forest industry as significant improvements have been made to the original proposal which was circulated for public consultation back in September 2014. The new premiums are now 20% higher than those in the previous programme when compared year on year.

Establishment grants have increased by 5% across the board and roads will now be supported at a rate of €40 per linear metre representing a 14% increase over the previous rate. Support will also be made available for the construction of up to 690 kilometres of new roads to provide the necessary infrastructure for greater timber mobilisation as well as improving overall access for thinning and other management operations. An important feature of the new programme is the €7 million of funding that is being made available to protect and enhance Irish native woodlands. Under the Native Woodlands Conservation Scheme, almost 2,000 hectares of these forests will be eligible for support. This includes a special measure for “Emergent Native Woodlands” which can now be conserved, enriched with suitable new planting and grown to high forest. Ireland’s formal application for State Aid approval is currently being considered by the EU.The Minister of State recognises the importance of securing this approval as soon as possible and, in order to progress this application, he met with the Commissioner for Agriculture and Rural Development, Mr. Phil Hogan, recently. Commenting on the meeting, Minister of State Hayes advised, “following my meeting with Commissioner Phil Hogan I am confident that DG AGRI will do everything they can to progress Ireland’s application through the final stages of inter-service consultation.” The Minister of State added that he was hopeful that details for the launch of the programme including scheme terms and conditions can issue shortly.


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FARMING

Dungarvan Observer | Friday, 19 December, 2014

The first tankard of milk was delivered to the Glanbia Ingredients Ireland (GII) plant at Belview in Waterford Port on Monday, 8th December to begin the commissioning process in the new €200m facility. The new plant which has two 7.5 tonne per hour capacity driers is the first new Greenfield primary dairy processing plant to be built in Ireland since the early 1970s.The plant in Belview will be fully operational from next Spring.

Teagasc News MANAGE SOIL FERTILITY Slurry nitrogen limits The Dept. of Agriculture sent out N& P statements to livestock farmers last October stating the levels of organic N and P which had been produced on the farm to the end of September 2014. 7,500 farms without derogations had levels of 160 kg/ha of N or higher and were likely to exceed 170 kg/ha for the year. In order to avoid penalties these farms need to have reduced stock numbers very significantly in the final quarter, taken additional land or exported slurry. Where extra land has been taken a short term rental agreement form must be completed and where slurry was exported a slurry export form must be completed. In both cases these must be received by the Dept of Agriculture, Johnstown Castle by December 31st. Review your N& P statement and calculate your organic N produced for the year. If this is likely to have exceeded 170kg of N per hectare and you have taken additional land or exported slurry make sure you get the completed form in on time. Soil testing This is the ideal time of year for soil sampling but time is running out. Once slurry spreading begins early in the New Year it will be too late. Have soil samples taken for the whole farm. Unless you know what is in the soil, it is impossible to know how much extra it needs. Therefore, by taking soil analysis and putting the results into practice, the fertilizer programme can be tailored to the needs of the soil and the crop. Repeating soil analysis over time is also critical to monitor the effectiveness of the fertilizer strategy. Teagasc charges €25 per sample including the cost of a trained technician taking the sample for you, postage, laboratory costs and fertiliser recommendations.Taking a sample for standard pH, lime, P and K analysis for every 4 ha of the farm every 5 years will cost approximately €1.25 per hectare per year. (If in derogation it must be done every 4 years.) This annual cost is equivalent to less than the cost of 1 kg of P in fertilizer. Having very low soil fertility and not identifying it with soil tests will restrict yields on the farm. Similarly, not identifying soils high in nutrients can result in excess applications that are not required by the crop and an unnecessary expense. Contact your local Teagasc office immediately to arrange to have your farm soil sampled. DAIRYING Use the Teagasc Profit Monitor for improved financial management 2014 was an excellent year for dairy farmers, milk price reached record high levels, and weather conditions were ideal. According to the Teagasc National Farm Survey the average income on dairy farms was €64,000 in 2013 and is likely to be a little better in 2014. However, due to falling milk prices the forecast is that dairy farm incomes are likely to fall to €30,000 in 2015. If your income is halved in 2015 can you sustain it? What are you going to do about it? Most farmers will do the same as usual and hope that things will be better – maybe they will. You and only you can do something to help yourself. To do well in 2015 you will have to know: • which of your enterprises is the most profitable; • how you can make each enterprise more profitable; • how you can economically generate more sales per cow, per hectare and from the whole farm; and, • how you can save on each cost on the farm There is only one way you can know this in time. If you depend on

the tax accounts you will not know until mid- to late-2015 which will be of no use to you next spring. Start now sorting out the accounts onto Teagasc’s Dairy Profit Monitor input sheet. Committed dairy farmers will put themselves in control, even with high borrowings, if they do a Profit Monitor and know their costs and profits. Don’t expect anyone to assemble the data or get it to the accountant, because you must do it. Most farmers don’t like this job but if you recognise how important it is to your business, especially now you will do it. Teagasc’s Profit Monitor has been updated and is ready for you to complete now. Just contact your adviser for your copy of the input sheet. When the analysis is completed sit down with your adviser and identify the areas where you can save on costs in 2015 and put a plan in place. This will put you in control and help you to reduce the income drop. Preventing Cow Problems: Cows should be examined now for health related problems, such as, fluke, worms, lice, mastitis, lameness, etc.so as to make their lives more comfortable and fruitful for calving; as well as being more profitable next year. If cows on wet, and for that matter even dry, farms have not already been treated for fluke they should be done now.Treat at drying off time as your choice of drug is greatest with no withholding of milk. All stock must be treated for lice at least once if not twice during the winter, even animals which are out wintered. Some farmers see a benefit of clipping a strip of hair along the backbone as is done on weanlings and beef cattle. To prevent mastitis arising during the dry period keep the cow’s bedding very clean during the first 28 days after drying off. Clean off cubicle ends and put lime or sawdust on them every day. ‘Keep an eye’ out for cows developing mastitis during the dry period. At the end of December you must start feeding pre-calving minerals (start 40 days before calving) to cows that will be calving in JanuaryFebruary. Throw 100 grams per cow per day on the silage, half in the morning, and half in the evening. Pre-calving minerals are essential to prevent, retained placenta, calving difficulty, poor thrive, depraved appetite, calf death etc. It will cost €2.50 - €3.00 and is very good value. To save money there is no need for minerals for March or April calvers for another month. Have thin cows improved? In October/November thin cows should have been separated out and fed 1-1.5 kgs of meal. They should now (4-5 weeks later) be on a condition score of 3.They must be at calving body condition score one month before calving because they will not put on any condition in the last month. If they are not they will be in trouble at calving. More meals will be necessary until 4 weeks before calving from when it should be decreased to 1.0 kg per day. Fat cows (condition 3.5 – 4.0) should be restricted to 25-30 kgs of fresh silage (70%DMD) plus 4-5kgs of straw or ad lib poor silage or hay. Otherwise, % fat and protein will be low after calving, they may have cystic ovaries, delayed return to bulling, and other health problems. If you now have half (0.5 C.S.) of a condition score to put on you need 115 kgs of meal extra with 65 DMD silage. If thin cows and fat cows are not managed separately from the main herd then they will milk 200+litres less during the first 8 weeks of lactation and have less than a 40% chance of going in calf to the first service.

Dungarvan Mart Report SAMPLE PRICES Bullock Section: 6 Char. 648 kgs. made €1,320 each. 1 Sim. 580 kgs. made €1,105. 1 Lim 460 kgs. made €1,075. 5 A.A. 470 kgs. made €960 each. Heifer Section: 1 Char. 650 kgs. made €1,250. 1 Char. 425 kgs. made €940. 1 Lim. 455 kgs. made €940. Dry Cow: 1 Fr. 660 kgs. made €900. 1 Char. 675 kgs. made €955. 1 A.A. 695 kgs. made €1,040. First Sale of the New Year will be on Monday, 12th January, 2015. Cattle Sales in 2015 will commence at 11.30 a.m. sharp. Management and staff at Dungarvan Mart wish all their customers a very happy Christmas and a prosperous New Year.

READER’S QUERIES Question: I lost some grazing ground earlier in the year however, the landowner contacted me to say that I could use it after the 1st of June as he had only wanted it for silage. I grazed my animals on it for 4 months. I now find that going on September and current livestock numbers that I will be over the 170kg organic Nitrogen limit. Is there any way I can get credit for keeping my animals on that land for 4 months even though I did not have the parcel in my 2014 single payment application? Can you please advise? Answer: Yes you can claim credit for the time you have grazed your animals on the rented land.You must complete a form called a Record 5. You will have to have it signed by the land owner and fill in details of the land parcel number.This will give you the equivalent of a third of this land area for a full year.You or your adviser can then work out if this reduction will be sufficient to keep you below the 170kg limit. Also, it is worth bearing in mind that if the land in question qualifies for DAS then the area will be reduced accordingly as the claimant must retain all disadvantaged lands for the full 12 month period to draw the full DAS payment. I trust this will clear things up for you. Tip of the Week: Ensure that paperwork for slurry import and export and land use after 1st of June have been completed. All forms must be received in Johnstown Castle no later than 31st December 2014.

FA R M E R S ! HAVE YOUR FARMING QUESTIONS ANSWERED BY AGRICULTURAL CONSULTANT

TERENCE MORRISSEY Send your queries to: Dungarvan Observer, Shandon, Dungarvan,Co. Waterford, or to Morrissey & Associates, Mweelnahorna, Ring, Dungarvan, Co. Waterford.


FARMING

Dungarvan Observer | Friday, 19 December, 2014

59

O

C

Fodder Beet

FODDER BEET FOR SALE – Can be washed and chopped. Also Beet washing and chopping service available. Tel. (086) 8136796. (26-12)

Coveney must press for early opening of GLAS

Kinsalebeg Macra members pictured with special guests Tom Llewellyn and Geraldine Veale at last Friday night’s 60th anniversary celebrations.

Kinsalebeg Macra 60th Anniversary Celebrations WHAT a night we all had in Dungarvan on Friday night – the celebration of the 60th anniversary of the foundation of our Macra club in Kinsalebeg exceeded all our expectations. It was all thanks to you our organising committee, special guests and all our members past and present who came along on the night. Beyond all doubt the highlight of

the night had to be the presence of one of the founding committee members Tom Llewellyn, who was accompanied by his grand-daughter Anne. In his speech Tom brought us back 60 years and gave us a wonderful account of the times in Kinsalebeg when Macra was founded. He gave a very detailed description of the first meetings down in

Kinsalebeg Hall in candlelight. Walking to Dungarvan to attend meetings. Also, the huge part Macra played in encouraging people in rural west Waterford to install electricity in their homes. On behalf of all in Kinsalebeg Macra thank you Tom for making the journey down from Dublin to be with us on the night.

We would also like to thank all of you our sponsors, guest speakers and special guests. Also, our county chairman –Ken Locke who has been a wonderful support to us throughout the organisation of this event and on the night, the park hotel and our brilliant band –Red Effect- who kept the party going right to the final dance. What a great end to 2014 thank

you all so very much for making this great celebration possible and thanks to everyone for your support throughout the year. On a final note please make a note on your diary for our Mass in memory of all deceased Kinsalebeg Macra members on the - 3rd January, 2015 at 6.30 p.m. in Piltown church, all are welcome.

IFA Rural Development Committee Chairman Flor McCarthy has called for the early approval of Ireland’s Rural Development Plan now that at least nine other countries’ plans will be approved by the EU Commission next week or shortly after. Already three country plans have been approved, with a further six due for approval before Christmas. This group does not include Ireland and Flor McCarthy said it is now up to Minister Coveney to put the maximum pressure on the EU Commission to ensure that there is no delay in getting Ireland’s plan approved. The Rural Development Chairman said any delay in the introduction of vital farm schemes such as GLAS and TAMS will further exacerbate the current serious problems being experienced on low income farms. He said, GLAS will be lifeline for 30,000 farmers in 2015, provided it is opened early and significant payments can be made next year. The Minister must now open GLAS in advance of the formal agreement of Irelands Plan. Flor McCarthy said that with the implementation of all CAP measures in 2015 it is imperative that the Pillar II schemes are available in significant amounts to those farmers in sectors and regions that are dependent on ANC, agrienvironment, and farm investment supports.

80 jobs at FRS selected GLAS provider FRS Network (Farm Relief Services) have announced the creation of 80 agricultural advisor jobs nationwide for the rollout of the GLAS planning and support service to Teagasc farmer clients in 2015. There will also be a number of administration roles. FRS are now accepting applications from experienced advisors and recent graduates for these roles which will involve providing farmers with GLAS planning services, nutrient and sustainable management plans and meeting farmers on farm and in Teagasc offices. Applicants are required to have a HETAC Level 8 degree in Agricultural Science, or Land Management with Soil Science and Crop Production, or Animal Production, those with similar degrees may also be

considered. Familiarity with, and experience of, a variety of farm production systems and a full clean driving licence with access to own transport are essential. Work will involve the preparation of agri-environmental plans in compliance with the GLAS scheme which is anticipated to commence in early 2015. CV’s should be e-mailed to: glascareers@frsnetwork.ie Visit: www.frsnetwork.ie/careers for further details. GLAS is the Green Lowcarbon Agrienvironmental Scheme designed to build on the success of REPS (Rural Environment Protection Scheme) and AEOS (Agri-Environment Options Scheme) which encouraged farmers to farm in an environmentally friendly manner.

• GLAS will be a 5-year scheme with a maximum payment of €5,000 annually for up to 50,000 farmers, with an expectation that 30,000 will be accepted in the first year. • In order to qualify for payment, farmers will have to undertake specified environmental actions based on a plan prepared by an approved planner. A nutrient management plan will also be required • Access to the scheme will be on a priority basis. CEO of FRS Network Peter Byrne said; “We are delighted to be providing this service on behalf of Teagasc and have set all wheels in motion to recruit the highest calibre of agricultural advisors to provide a service of the highest quality to Teagasc farmer clients. We look forward to being part of this journey.” Head of Knowledge

Transfer in Teagasc Dr. Tom Kelly said; ”This new partnership will allow us to continue to provide clients with a top quality agrienvironmental planning and support service. I look forward to working with the Farm Relief Service in delivering a GLAS planning service to farmers.” Once the scheme is opened by the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine, Teagasc clients will be able to work through their local Teagasc office as usual to avail of the GLAS service. The planner will visit them on farm and meet them in the Teagasc office when required. Payments for plans will be made to Teagasc. For further details of the GLAS scheme see DAFM website at www.agriculture.gov.ie/farmerschemespayments/glas/

At the Glanbia Information Meeting in the Park Hotel were Frank Tobin, Glanbia Consumer Foods; Michael O'Neill, Glanbia Ingredients Ireland and Liam Herlihy, Group Chairman, Glanbia. [Sean Byrne//Deise Media]


Inside entertainment … only Your entertainment guide

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COMERAGH COMHALTAS

Comhaltas Craobh na gComarach

The KCK Parish Choir entertained the audience packed into Kilgobinet Church for the annual Christmas Carol Concert.

Crossword

December 21 27 Aries March 20th April 19th

Taurus April 20th May 20th

Gemini ACROSS 1 One of the two moons of Mars, the other being Deimos (6) 5 An old and dilapidated car (6) 8 Television thriller series starring Claire Danes (8) 9 _ Reekie (Old Smoky) is Edinburgh (4) 10 Word that with 5 down makes the name of a duo (4) 11 Another name for the little grebe (8) 13 The process of putting out shoots (11) 15 Term referring to a period of European history (4,4) 17 Bag in which one might buy a pig (4) 19 Using only one channel of sound reproduction (4) 20 Island country in the Lesser Antilles, capital Bridgetown (8) 21 Talk that could make a balloon fly? (3,3) 22 Three in binary notation looks like this (6) DOWN 2 A noisy fuss (3-2) 3 A kind of nuclear reactor (7) 4 _ clothes, strips of cloth formerly wrapped round a newborn child (9) 5 _ Clampett, character in the 1960s television sitcom The Beverly Hillbillies (3) 6 Percolate through or out of (5) 7 Anagram of CAPELIN and PANICLE (7) 12 A French-style restaurant (9) 13 Forename of Italian composer Puccini (7) 14 Anagram of CAPELIN and PANICLE (2,5) 16 The basic monetary unit of Sweden (5) 18 The basic monetary unit of Denmark and Norway (5) 20 Word that can be tacked on the front of ELY, LEY and ON to form other words (3)

SOLUTION

May 21st June 20th

Cancer June 21st July 22nd

Leo July 23rd August 22nd

Virgo August 23rd September 22nd

Libra September 23rd October 22nd

Scorpio October 23rd November 21st

HIS week will be a blissful island of peace in what is turning out to be a very busy time. Relax a bit with a few good friends and enjoy a rather good career phase.

T

OME of those who are around you are having a tough time of it now but you are missing the worst of the storms. Give help, sympathy and love to those who need it.

S

SHORT, sharp altercation on Monday could clear the air but it will also make you depressed. Fortunately the rest of the week is looking good, so you will get over it.

A

IFE may be hard at the moment but this week brings a blessed relief from all the stress. Men who are around you will do a great deal to help you now.

L

EEP your wits about you especially where employers and employees are concerned as a costly mistake could occur. Don t flirt around at work either.

K

HERE will be good news in connection with work or a business matter. Negotiations will go well and you may be able to buy or sell something important this week.

T

THERS will have all the excitement this week while your life just plods along quietly. Don t become frustrated just enjoy the peace and quiet while it lasts.

O

CALADH NUA CD LAUNCH A great crowd turned up last Saturday night to the Town Hall Theatre for the launch of Caladh Nua's new CD. What a treat the concert was, the best of entertainment all free for the loyal audience with many of our members among the crowd of well known local musicians. Our branch Chairman Micheál Marrinan was on hand to open the proceedings and launch the CD. His proud references to Derek Morrissey and Caoimhín Ó Fearghaíl who began their musical education in Cúil na Sméar and Paddy Tutty’s grandfather Tommy Norris, tied in well with his longtime friendship with banjoist Eoin Ó Meachair and a comprehensive knowledge of the many players and composers mentioned in the excellent sleeve notes. Spokesman for the band Derek thanked Micheál for taking on the job at very short notice and used Micheál's remarks throughout the evening in introducing many sets. This is a band of individual stars and talent with singer Lisa Butler leaving a lasting impression. Her distinct diction and sweetness of tone with or without accompaniment, gives her a special standing in the genre which more than anything is the telling of a story in song. Like the concert the CD itself is a gem, an ideal Christmas present. SLIABH NA FÉILE It was from the last line of the great Déise song Sliabh Geal gCua written 100 years ago by Pádraigh Ó Milleadha that we got the title for our school of

traditional performing arts. Our “Sliabh na Féile School” delivers far more than classes in a package which also includes the weekly junior session, free admission to concerts and performance opportunities. Those who progress feature in more formal groups selected for entertainment at events such as charity, civic or private functions. The best and most committed are selected for the Cúil Cheoil Seisiún group and are often offered places in other groups or on Comhaltas concert tours. All our members are encouraged to participate in events where they experience the influence of the best of local performers. Making connections with the community of musicians, singers and dancers first of all among their own age groups and also at festivals and sessions where the well known names perform, is all part of the development of performers of the future. SONGS OF THE DÉISE The 4th season of our Schools Song Project is currently being planned by our dedicated sub-committee. When Pádraig Ó Milleadha expressed regret in his songs that he had not been educated in his native Irish he could not have foreseen that almost 100 years later his writings would influence others. In his song The Village Schoolroom of Kilbrien, referring to the schoolmaster who “spoke languages galore although he never spoke to me in mine” he reflects the line from Sliabh Geal gCua,”'Sé mo léan ná fuaireas tógaint i léinn is mór chuid eolais in Gaolainn uasail ceolmhar”.

Less than 2 years from the 70th anniversary of the death of Pádraig Ó Milleadha we endeavour to ensure that future leaders of the cultural movement will have received some education not just in the first official language but in the works of our native poets, writers and philosophers. Our region of the Comeraghs is a great place to start. COMERAGHS COMHALTAS FUNDRAISING FOR WLRFM LIONS CLUB CHRISTMAS APPEAL Calling all our musicians - The WLR Fm Lions Club Christmas Appeal trad session has arrived. All to meet inside Dungarvan Shopping Centre on Wednesday, 17th December from 2.00 p.m. 4.30 p.m., bring stools. Calling all shoppers - This appeal has been helping many families in Co Waterford and has raised close to 2 million euros since it started almost thirty years ago. Please take the time to stop, enjoy the music and maybe throw a bit of your loose change into the bucket and support this local worthy cause. CHILDREN/ADULT CHRISTMAS PARTY Reminder: Children's Christmas party this Sunday, 21st December, Cuil na Smear hall at 6.00 p.m. Don't forget your instruments....adult members, your date is Friday, 19th December 9.00 p.m. till late, usual arrangements apply.....Ho! Ho! Ho! Follow us on Facebook Comeraghs Comhaltas Branch or alternitavley check out our Website www.comeraghs.com

F YOU are considering a move of house or making extensive renovations to your home, this is the ideal week to start drawing up your plans and looking into it.

I

Sagittarius

N

Capricorn

Y

EVER at a loss for good ideas at the best of

times, this week you will find some really November original ways to solve problems. Others will be 22nd December 21st receptive to this. December 22nd January 19th

Aquarius January 20th February 18th

Pisces February 19th March 19th

OUR life is going through a series of important changes now but take a little time off this week to enjoy the social scene. There may be a small windfall coming your way. ON T dash into anything this week either in connection with money or in matters of love. Leave major decisions for another time and just take things quietly.

D

OU are right to be careful about whom you trust and believe this week because the chances are that either a friend or your lover or both could feed you some choice fibs.

Y

Michael Marrinan introducing Caladh Nua.

[Niamh Fennell]

Across: 1 Phobos, 5 Jalopy, 8 Homeland, 9 Auld, 10 Ward, 11 Dabchick, 13 Germination, 15 Dark Ages, 17 Poke, 19 Mono, 20 Barbados, 21 Hot air, 22 Eleven. Down: 2 Hoo-ha, 3 Breeder, 4 Swaddling, 5 Jed, 6 Leach, 7 Pelican, 12 Brasserie, 13 Giacomo, 14 In place, 16 Krona, 18 Krone, 20 Bar.


Inside entertainment … only Your entertainment guide

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Strictly Comeragh Dancers.

Strictly comes to the Comeraghs - Strictly Comeragh Style TUESDAY, December 2nd, saw thirty dancers come together in Crotty’s Inn Leamybrien for the launch of “Strictly Comeragh”. This major event is being hosted by the Comeragh Community Development Group to raise the neces-

sary funding to complete our “Crough Wood” walk. This is an idyllic walk through one of the country’s most iconic sites. Stage one was completed in 2007 and proved to be such a success with locals and visitors that we proceeded with

stage two of the walk which now covers one and a half miles along the River Mahon through spectacular woodlands. On completion of the third and final stage of this walk it will be possible to follow the path from Mahon Bridge to the Mahon Falls. This walk will draw

walkers from far and wide to our area which is a national treasure. Our dancers will be put through their paces by choreographers from the Kevin Rowe Events Company, Dublin and rehearsals will start after Christmas and run for seven consecutive weeks.

The “Strictly Comeragh” final will be held in the Woodlands Hotel, Waterford on February 28th and we look forward to a wonderful evening of entertainment for all. Tickets to watch the dancers in the final will be on sale in the near future.

Brendan Grace The Genial Family Comedian Nationwide Tour with 'Pure Gold' Show at The Park Hotel, Dungarvan AMAZING Grace IS a catch phrase often applied to Brendan Grace and indeed very true in many respects. The genial and much loved Family Comedian is celebrating 42 Years in the Comedy Business and is now more popular than at any time in his career to date and what an illustrious career that has been. Forty two years ago when the 20 year old Dubliner set off on his solo career he could never have envisaged the road of life that lay ahead. Two years later a Geordie song called Cushy Butterfield sailed to No. 1 in the Irish charts and the rest is history. Brendan's latest show features some brand new material and some 'Old Favourites' from his vast repertoire over the last 42 years. His sense of timing and ability to read an audience is without equal. A brilliant character actor,his 'Bottler' character is legendary and is now featured at every performance.

Apart from his obvious 'star quality' in all aspects of his performance, Brendan's drawing power is enormous and the 'House Full' sign is the norm rather than the exception at his concerts. Brendan has a very special bond with Irish audiences and is much loved by young and old not least because he gives very generously of his time after each Concert. The 'Meet and Greet' is now very much part and parcel of each show and Brendan's very down to earth approach is much appreciated by all. Family Comedians with the talent and graciousness of Brendan Grace are as rare as Haley's Comet and only come around now and again. He is certainly one in a million. The tour coincides with the release of his new DVD 'Pure Gold.' The Park Hotel, Dungarvan … Wednesday, January 7th. Tickets at Hotel Reception Tel. 05842899 and Ticketmaster.ie

For full Tour view w w w. t o m ke l l y p ro m o -

tions.com and brendangrace.com

Fancy a trip to New York in the Spring! READINGS for D.D.C.'s Spring production ‘Plaza Suite’ by Neil Simon will be held on Wednesday, January 7th, at 8.00 p.m. Plaza Suite is one of Neil Simon's most popular and celebrated plays and showcases Simon at his best. This play describes the misadventures of three very different couples facing crucial moments in their lives - all set in the same room in New York's world famous Plaza Hotel - Suite 719. For Sam and Karen it’s a return journey to the scene of their honeymoon, 24 years to the day, for what Karen hopes will be a night of rekindled passion! Jesse and Muriel are two former sweethearts meeting up for

the first time in almost 17 years. He's a Hollywood producer and she's highly impressed! Norma and Roy are struggling to cajole their daughter out of the bathroom and down to her lavish wedding, where the groom and guests are waiting! Which part would you like to play?? Fancy a fun and new pastime for the New Year?? Come along and tread the boards of the ‘Plaza Suite’ and be part of a play that will be witty, sophisticated and deliciously funny. For more information about D.D.C. contact 086-3244175 or find us on facebook. Wishing all our patrons and members a Very Happy Christmas!


Entertainment …

only Your entertainment guide

Come and enjoy your Weekend Entertainment at …

BRIDGIE BRIDGIE T TE ER RR RIIE ES S

Observer Competitions

M E L O DY ’ S Ballymacarbr y W ishing all our customer s a n d f r i e n d s a ve r y H a p py Christmas and a P r o s p e r o u s N e w Ye a r

30 Seconds Tom O’Connell, 1 Mountain Villas, Dungarvan, Co. Waterford. Marion Whelan, 20 McCarthyville, Abbeyside, Dungarvan, Co. Waterford. Brigid Coffey, Ballymacmague, Dungarvan, Co. Waterford. Winners can collect prize at Dungarvan Observer offices, Shandon, Dungarvan, Co. Waterford.

The Pike 051-291312

– from – Mar tin and all the staf f at M e l o d y ’s

Progressive 45 Card Drive (In aid of Garranbane NS)

CROTTY’S INN LEAMYBRIEN

Saturday, 20th December DANCING TO

Brendan Grace Tickets N! I W to The Park Hotel

30 Seconds Junior

Wednesday, 17th December :–

e-mail: adverts@dungarvanobserver.ie | telephone 058 41205

BRENDA CHRISTMAS POSTER

22/10/2014

18:25

Page 1

FOOD SERVED DAILY (7 Days) Last orders 8.00 p.m. Hot and cold food available. All parties (big or small) catered for

Rigoletto

ROOM AVAILABLE FOR MEETINGS / PRIVATE FUNCTIONS

Maureen Morrissey, Cluttahina, Cappoquin, Co. Waterford. Winners can collect prize at SGC Dungarvan.

Sunday, 21st December

Crotty’s Christmas Hamper Draw 10.00 p.m.

Miranda Curran, Kilmaloo, Clashmore, Co. Waterford. Amy Keane, Garrycloyne, Colligan, Dungarvan, Co. Waterford. Avila Dower, Carrigeen, Ring, Dungarvan, Co. Waterford. Winners can collect prize at Dungarvan Observer offices, Shandon, Dungarvan, Co. Waterford.

Michael & Breda Daly and family wish all their customers and friends a very happy Christmas and a peaceful New year

DEREK VEALE

Monday, 22nd December KILROSSANTY GAA CHRISTMAS DRAW

DANCING TO

TOMMY COMERFORD Commencing 9.30 p.m.

Coming Friday, 26th December ST. STEPHEN’S NIGHT

DANCING TO

!

@ SGC Dungarvan

PADDY O’BRIEN & HIS BAND

!

Commencing 9.30 p.m.

Girl with a Pearl Earring and Other Treasures of the Mauritshuis, the Netherlands Tuesday, 13th January, at 6.30 p.m. Girl With A Pearl Earring and other treasures of the Mauritshuis, the Netherlands. After two years on a blockbuster world tour, the ‘Girl with a Pearl Earring’ has returned home to the much-loved Mauritshuis gallery in The Hague. With huge queues lining up for a glimpse of her enigmatic beauty, the enduring appeal of this masterpiece is indisputable. The beautifully filmed documentary goes in pursuit of the many unresolved riddles surrounding the extraordinary painting and its mysterious creator Vermeer. Who was this girl? Why and how was it painted? Why is it so revered? The Dungarvan Observer, in association with SGC Dungarvan, has a pair of tickets to give away to the lucky winner of our competition. All you have to do is answer the following question and post your entries into SGC Competition, Dungarvan Observer, Shandon, Dungarvan, Co. Waterford, on or before 12 noon on Tuesday, 6th January, 2015. Editor’s decision is final and no correspondence will be entered into.

DANCING TO

FINBAR DENNEHY

Wednesday, 7th January

Answer: ………………………………………………………………………………………… Name: …………………………………………………………………………………………..

Tickets at Hotel tel. 058-42899 And ticketmaster.ie

To be in with a chance of winning a pair of tickets, just answer the following question. Post your entries to Brendan Grace Competition, Dungarvan Observer, Shandon, Dungarvan, Co. Waterford, on or before Monday, 22nd December. Editor’s decision is final and no correspondence will be entered into.

Q. What date is Brendan Grace playing at The Park Hotel? A. ……………………………………………………………. Name: ……………………………………………………….

Address: ……………………………………………………………..…………………………

Address: …………………………………………………….

………………………………………………………………………...………………………..

………………………………………………………………..

……………………………………………… Tel. No. ………………………...….……………

…………………………… Tel. ……………………………..

Call a cab …

The management and staff wish all their customers a very happy Christmas and a peaceful New Year

8.00 p.m.

✄ Question: Girl with a Pearl Earring is screened at SGC on what date?

Coming Saturday, 27th December

WIN

Girl with a Pearl Earring WIN

Crotty’s Inn available for Parties, Meetings and Functions.

Tel. (051) 291254 / (087) 6599126.

adverts@dungarvanobserver.ie ORGANISING AN EVENT? Make sure everyone reads about it …

058-41205/42042

Joe Cliffe

Ollie Gillen

Ann O’Dwyer

Nicholas Drohan

Liam McCarthy

087 7935393 /

087

058

087

68101 /

058 44570

7449965

44043

8144777

087 2630666


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Friday 19th – Wednesday 24th

Candlelight Christmas

FILM INFORMATION AND BOOKING LINE 058 45796 www.sgcdungarvan.ie

at

THE HUNGER GAMES: MOCKINGJAY PART 1 (12A) 125 mins. 4 K R E S O LU T I O N ! FRI. – TUE. 9.20

CONCERT

4.30 p.m. JANUARY 13th – 6.30 p.m.

LIVE FROM BERLIN

ON SALE NOW

PADDINGTON (G) 95 mins.

GIRL WITH THE PEARL EARRINGS

D I G I TA L ! FRI. – TUE. 11.30, 1.40, 3.45, 6.20 (NO SAT. 6.20) WED. 11.30, 1.40, 3.45

FROM THE MAURITSHUIS, NETHERLANDS ON SALE NOW

JANUARY 22nd – 7.00 p.m.

TREASURE ISLAND (Play NT Live)

JANUARY 29th – 7.15 p.m.

ANDREA CHENIER (Opera Live)

LIVE FROM THE NATIONAL THEATRE ON SALE NOW THE ROYAL OPERA HOUSE

ARDMORE 086-8116943 CHRISTMAS SONGS MULLED WINE NIBBLES Saturday, 20th December Tuesday, 23rd December Open from 8.00 p.m.

2 0 1 4 / 2 0 1 5 U P C O M I N G E V E N T S – N OW B O O K I N G DECEMBER 20th – RIGOLETTO 6.30 p.m. LIVE OPERA FROM VIENNA ON SALE NOW DECEMBER 31st – New Year’s Eve GALA ORCHESTRAL

The Gallery Wine Bar

TINKERBELL & THE LEGEND OF THE NEVERBEAST

ON SALE NOW

(G) 76 mins. D I G I TA L ! FRI. – WED. 11.10, 1.10, 3.05

RIGOLETTO OPERA LIVE FROM VIENNA SAT. 20th @ 6.30 p.m.

DUMB AND DUMBER TO (15A) 102 mins. D I G I TA L ! FRI. – TUE. 7.20, 9.30

NIGHT AT THE MUSEUM: SECRET OF THE TOMB (PG) 98 mins. D I G I TA L ! FRI. – TUE. 1.50, 5.00, 7.10; WED. 1.50

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Vol. 102

Friday, 19th December, 2014

SPORT

sport@dungarvanobserver.ie

An Gaeltacht's Donal Breathnach gets in possession against Tramore's Sam Linehan during the J. J. Kavanagh & Sons Co. U-21B Hurling Final in Fraher Field. [Sean Byrne//Deise Sport]

An Ghaeltacht ro laidir don Trá Mhor See Page 3

NAOMH BRID WINS FIRST WESTERN FINAL PLAYED AT ABBEYSIDE’S NEW FIELD Page 2

THE LOCAL BAR WATERFORD GAA AWARDS BANQUET 2014 Pages 4 & 5

LAUNCH OF KILL GAA CLUB LONG PUCK Page 11


2

GAA

Dungarvan Observer | Friday, 19 December, 2014

PARK HOTEL WESTERN ‘B’ MINOR HURLING FINAL

Naomh Brid wins first Western Final played at Abbeyside’s new field STEPHEN COFFEY NETS THREE FIRST HALF GOALS

Naomh Brid …………6-16; St. Olivers ……………4-10. EVERYONE knows that last Sunday was not the ideal time to be playing Western Hurling Finals and if anybody can come up with a better solution, then I’m sure the Western Board would love to hear from you. On one hand, you have the Board trying to keep the Divisional championships alive but it must get the co-operation from all clubs in what is an already very full year of fixtures. Clubs that give walk-overs after saying that they will participate aren’t helping the situation but if the championship was tied in someway before or during the County championship, the Western one might regain some of its importance. Would it be possible for clubs who are in the same group in the County championship to double their game as a Western and a County one or must the Western championship be held separately? In recent years, the involvement of minors in the adult championships has also put the Divisional minor championship on hold and our welcome success at provincial level is also delaying games. Western Titles were always cherished in times gone by and hopefully a solution can be worked out to return them to their former status.

One way or the other, there was history definitely made last Sunday when the new Abbeyside field hosted its first Western final. The condition of it was a tribute to the hard working members who developed it during the year and it will be of great benefit to the ever growing local club into the future. For the game itself, where would you get ten goals on a Sunday morning so the field was indeed christened in style. Naomh Brid’s Stephen Coffey has the distinction of scoring the first hat-trick in a Western Final on the new sod and in doing so in 29 minutes, he helped the winners to a 4-10 to 1-4 half-time lead. Naomh Brid had the backing of the strong wind first and they made good use of it and especially in the last two minutes of the half when they raised two more green flags to effectively kill off the game as a contest. Mike Kearns was also a huge contributor on the scoreboard with 1-10 (7f) to his credit with Jack Skehan also being credited with two goals. From the start, Naomh Brid hurled like a team that knew they were going to win and St. Olivers were the opposite. Stephen Coffey got the ball rolling, goal-wise, as early as the first minute and points by Nicky O’Donovan and Mike Kearns (2f) initiated

the trend of the game. St. Oliver’s best player on the day, Rob Shine opened his team’s account with a good point in the 14th minute against the wind but with the aid of Dan Booth and Jack Skehan, Stephen Coffey struck for his second green flag, a batted effort, and with 16 minutes played, the winners were 2-5 to 0-1 ahead. Rob Shine placed Cian Culloo for a 21st minute goal but its importance was nullified just before the short whistle with green flag replies from Jack Skehan and Stephen Coffey again. The only concern for the winners in the first half was the departure from the final of Nicky O’Donovan with a knee injury which hopefully will be cleared up before Modeligo’s next game in the All-Ireland Junior Hurling Championship. St. Olivers won the second half by 3-6 to 2-6 but it didn’t make any real difference as a Mike Kearns goal in the 35th minute gave the winners a commanding 5-11 to 1-5 lead. Mike Kearns continued to work the scoreboard with the odd reply from Rob Shine, Micheal Culloo, now in the forwards, and Mike Kiely from frees. With Naomh Brid leading by 5-17 to 1-10, St. Olivers scored three goals in successionin the last ten minutes via

Eddie Cunningham, Chairman Western GAA Board presents the Minor B Hurling shield to Naomh Brid's Captain, Rian Reddy. The competition was kindly sponsored by The Park Hotel. [Sean Byrne//Deise Sport] Rob Shine (2) and Luke O’Connor to reduce the deficit to 0-10. The winners, and Jack Skehan in particular, had the final say when he scored the morning’s tenth goal before referee Timmy Organ sounded the long whistle. Following their defeat in the County Final after a replay to Fourmilewater, Naomh Brid have some silverware to deservingly show for their efforts in 2014

while St. Olivers won the football equivalent in Clashmore the previous week. Naomh Brid’s Top Three: Stephen Coffey, Mike Kearns, Neil Phelan. St. Olivers Top Three: Rob Shine, Mikey O’Brien, Paul Curran. Observer’s Man of the Match: Stephen Coffey. Number of Scorers: Naomh Brid 6. St. Olivers 6. Scores from Play: Naomh Brid 6-9. St. Olivers 4-7. Frees For: Naomh Brid 10. St.

Olivers 11. Wides: Naomh Brid 10. St. Olivers 7. Score of the Match: Mike Kearn’s 35th minute goal for Naomh Brid. Scorers – Naomh Brid: Mike Kearns 1-10 (7f), Stephen Coffey 3-0, Jack Skehan 2-0, Dan Booth 0-3, Nicky O’Donovan 0-2, Gavin Dalton 0-1. St. Olivers: Rob Shine 2-4 (1f), Luke O’Connor 1-1, Paul Curran 0-2, Mike Kiely 0-2f, Micheal Culloo 0-1, Cian Culloo 1-0. Naomh Brid: Cian O’Byrne, Richard McGrath, Ronan

Gleeson, Aaron Whelan, P. J. Coffey, Gary Power, Neil Phelan, Rian Reddy, Daniel Booth, Mike Kerans, Jack Skehan, Stephen Coffey, Gavin Dalton, Keith Hickey, Sam Murphy Nix. St. Olivers: David Hally, Tiernan O’Connell, Luke O’Connor, Mike Kiely, Micheal Culloo, Jack O’Sullivan, Mikey O’Brien, Mark Ronayne, Mikey Phelan, Paul Curran, Mark Lynch, Micheal Shine, Richard Lynch, Cian Culloo, Richard Lynch. Referee: Timmy Organ (Abbeyside/ Ballinacourty).

SPORT

Christmas Publishing Arrangements Our Christmas week issue will be published on TUESDAY, 23rd December, 2014.

All copy and advertising for this issue are requested to be submitted by Monday, 22nd December, at 12 noon.

There will be NO issue of the Dungarvan Observer on Wednesday, 31st December (New Year’s Eve). The first issue of the New Year will be published on Wednesday, 7th January, 2015. Naomh Brid who beat St. Olivers in the Park Hotel sponsored Western Minor B Hurling Final played in Abbeyside's GAA Grounds.

[Sean Byrne//Deise Sport]

Waterford's Peter Hogan on a solo run against Limerick's Robbie Hanley during the Munster Minor


3

J. J. KAVANAGH COUNTY U-21 (B) HURLING FINAL

Dungarvan Observer | Friday, 19 December, 2014

An Ghaeltacht ro laidir don Trá Mhor 25 YEAR GAP BRIDGED IN STYLE An Ghaeltacht ………3-12; Tramore ………………..0-7. PLAYED at a bitterly cold Fraher Field last Sunday afternoon, An Ghaeltacht confirmed pre match speculation that they would be too strong for the Eastern champions, Tramore, and they came within 0-1 of beating their opponents a score a man. Tramore more than matched the winners in the physical exchanges but they didn’t have the hurling skill of the men from the Gaeltacht and indeed it was in the second minute of added time at the conclusion of the game, that they scored their only point from play. Both clubs don’t get any bouquets for not adhering to the match programme, jersey wise, and all it achieves is denying a player credit with a score or a good match performance. Playing with the wind for the first half, the winners rejigged their line out from the Western Final with Christy Breathnach starting at fullback, Lorcan O Corraoin at midfield and Fearghal O Ceallaigh on the edge of the square. O Ceallaigh really benefitted from the move as, though it was difficult to be certain in a crowded goal area, he is credited with scoring a brace of valuable goals which went a long way to bridging that 25 year gap back to the defeat of St. Saviours in 1989. Tramore’s indiscipline cost them dearly in the first half, resulting in Donie Breatnach firing over 0-5f which helped the winners to a 1-9 to 0-2 half-time lead. Tramore had plenty of the play during the course of the hour, they just didn’t have the players to finish on the scoreboard. Breathnach opened the scoring from a placed ball in the second minute and one minute later, he ran through the Tramore defence to score the only white flag of the first half which boosted his team’s

winning ambitions at this early stage. Another Tramore foul was punished in the 5th minute, 1-2 to 0-0, and nine minutes later wing back Lucas O Corraoin struck the first point of the hour from play. Tramore’s Conor Lynch suffered a bad knee injury in the 19th minute, hopefully it’s not the dreaded cruciate ligament, and he was replaced by Liam Goodwin. The seasiders opened their account in the 23rd minute via a pointed free from corner forward James Walsh but Fearghal O Ceallaigh immediately replied from play. When Donie Breathnach was upended in front of goal in the 25th minute, he opted to plant the ball in the Colligan river for a point rather than in the goal and at this stage, the Ghaeltacht were putting daylight between themselves and their opponents at 1-5 to 0-1. Tramore’s best player centre back Nicky Cannell, pointed a 26th minute free, followed by a trademark point from John Power, who with a different jersey on his back was correctly identified at leath am. An Ghaeltacht finished the half strongly on the scoreboard with Donie Breatnach pointing 0-2f and in between, midfielder Jamie De Baruin struck the score of the match from his position underneath the stand. The winners won eleven first half frees and they could have been even further ahead than 1-9 to 0-2 but for five wides before the short whistle. The strong winter sun out in the showfield gave patrons some respite at half-time from the single figure temperatures in the stand before James Walsh scored his second pointed free for the seasiders in the 32nd minute. The game as a contest was decided two minutes later when a Donie Breathnach free was bravely

finished to the country end goal by Fearghal O Ceallaigh and a further immediate score by Lorcan O Corraoin, who was outstanding throughout, left the scoreboard reading 2-10 to 0-4 after just 35 minutes. Credit Tramore though, they never played as if they were a well beaten side and they made the winners fight for every ball even at this stage. Nicky Cannell pointed his second free in the 37th minute but after a further good eight minutes of battling, their woes were compounded further when Fearghal O Ceallaigh was credited with a second green flag in an again crowded goal area. Tramore’s third freetaker on the day, Shane Rellis, worked the scoreboard twice in the 46th and the 56th minutes, either side of Lorcan O Corraoin’s second point, 3-11 to 0-6, and the winner’s final score came from Donie Breathnach’s (f) hurley in the 58th minute. With the clock passing the 60th minute mark, It looked as if Tramore were going to finish without a score from play but this was prevented by full back, Barry Whelan, one of our successful minor panel from 2013, when unmarked, he received a pass from a James Walsh free with the clock reading 61.42, following which referee Robbie Dunne sounded the long whistle. Being 25 years since An Ghaeltacht won this particular title, they will enjoy this win and rightly so as they came through a very competitive Western Championship with only a puck of the ball between themselves and Ballyduff, Cois Bhride and Fourmilewater. Eoin O Murchadha was dependable between the posts throughout with no goals conceded in the two finals while Cormac Mac Murchu, Darach O

Cathasaigh, Lucas O Cuirrin and Maidhc Frinnseach were capable in their defensive roles. An Ghaeltacht’s key players, such as Rea O Ceallaigh, Lorcan O Corraoin, Jamie De Baruin and Christy Breathnach were utilised to telling affect in a number of different positons from game to game while team captain Donie Breathnach led by example on the scoreboard and his goal against Cois Bhride hit the social media pages in style. Sean De Paor’s workrate, Ferghal O Cuirrin’s brace of goals against Fourmileater in the Western Final and similarly Ferghal O Ceallaigh’s two green flags last Sunday all contributed to a memorable year as did efforts throughout the championship by such as Odhran O hUallachain, Pauric O Lonain, Nioclas O Conduin, Pax O Faolain, Oisin Mac Siomoin, Bryan Frinnseach and Aaron O Crotaigh. As it is the team’s first success in 25 years, selectors Padraig O Murchadha, Cormac O hInnsaduinn agus Daithi O Riagain can also be satisfied with their contributions to the cause and they obviously utilised their players to the best advantage during the championship. PRESENTATION For the final time in his current term of office, County Board Chairman Tom Cunningham presented the cup to the winning captain Donie Breathanch amid scenes of considerable excitement. Lorcan O Corraoin was announced as the J. J. Kavanagh Man of the Match. An Ghaeltacht’s Top Three: Lorcan O Corraoin, Donie Breathnach, Criostoir Breathnach. Tramore’s Top Three: Matthew Thompson, Nicky Cannell, Shane Rellis. Observer’s Man of the Match: Lorcan O Corraoin.

An Gaeltacht who beat Tramore 3-12 to 0-7 in the J. J. Kavanagh's & Sons Co. U-21B Hurling final in Fraher Field.

Tom Cunningham, Chairman Co. GAA Board presents the Co. U-21B Hurling Cup to An Gaeltacht's [Sean Byrne//Deise Sport] Captain, Donal Breathnach. Number of Scorers: An Ghaeltacht 6. Tramore 4. Scores From Play: An Ghaeltacht 3-6. Tramore 0-1. Frees For: An Ghaeltacht 16. Tramore15. Wides: An Ghaeltacht 8. Tramore 4. Score of the Match: An Ghaeltacht’s 29th minute point engineered by Lorcan O Corraoin and executed by Jamie De Baruin. Scorers – An Ghaeltacht: Fearghal O Ceallaigh 2-1, Donie Breathnach 1-6 (6f), Lorcan O Corraoin 0-2, Sean De Paor, Jamie De Baruin agus Lucas O Cuirrin 0-1 each. Tramore: James Walsh, Nicky Cannell and Shane Rellis 0-2 f each, Barry Whelan 0-1. An Ghaeltacht: Eoin O Murchadha; Darach O Cathasaigh, Criostoir Breathnach, Cormac Mac Murchu; Maidhc Frinnseach, Rea O Ceallaigh, Lucas O Cuirrin; Lorcan O Corraoin, Jamie De Baruin; Sean De Paor, Donie Breathnach, Odhran O hUallachain; Pauric O Lonain, Fearghal O Ceallaigh, Fearghal O Cuirrin. Fir Ionaid: Bryan Frinnseach (47), Oisin Mac Siomoin (55), Aaron O Crotaigh (58). Tramore: Sean Hinks; Jason Wilmott, Barry Whelan, Ronan

Walsh; Michael Walsh, Nicky Cannell, Conor Lynch; Sam Linehan, Matthew Thompson; James Cowman, Craig Burke, Evan Connor; James Walsh, Eoin Kiely, Shane Rellis. Subs: Liam Goodwin (19), Niall Kennedy (38). Referee: Robbie Dunne (St. Mollerans).

FROM THE FILES OF THE DUNGARVAN OBSERVER SATURDAY, DECEMBER 16th, 1989 Recalling An Ghaeltacht’s last under 21 win of 25 year ago (1989) AN GHAELTACHT SHOCK ST. SAVIOURS An Ghaeltacht ………...2-9; St. Saviours …………...2-1. AN Ghaeltacht under 21 hurlers swept to a glamorous victory in the Grade ‘B’ County Final at Walsh Park when they shocked the firm favourites St. Saviours to record an historic first win for the Ring/Ardmore group team. An Ghaeltacht commenced well with a goal in the second minute per Eamonn Crotty while County Minor Billy Mahony added a

[Sean Byrne//Deise Sport]

point in the 11th minute. Eugene Curran tacked on a point in the 20th minute to put the Western Champions in front by five points, (1-2 to 0-0). In the 22nd minute, M. Barry pointed a free to open Saviours account and one minute later, Derek Wyse crashed home a peach of a goal to leave the half time score at 1-2 to 1-1. Still, as An Ghaeltacht went in, they must have been concerned at the fact that they had shot a total of ten wides in that first half. On the turnover, G. Keane score a goal for St. Saviours, he is a nephew of the late and great John Keane, to put the City team ahead in for first time in the game at 2-1 to 1-2. An Ghaeltacht then began to tack on points per Pat Walsh (37th minute), Pat Hallahan (41), Eugene Curran (42), Pat Walsh (48), Billy Mahony (49 and 51) to lead by 1-8 to 2-1. Still, the issue hung in the balance as St. Saviours battled spiritly to get back into the game. However, midfielder Eugene Curran soloed his way through to score a magnificent goal in the 57th minute and that put the issue beyond doubt with the scoreboard reading 2-8 to 2-1. Billy Mahony added a point in the 58th minute while shots per Derek Wyse and Noel O’Keeffe went inches wide of the Gaeltacht’s posts at the other end. This was a great team effort by An Ghaeltacht with Eugene Curran giving a Man of the Match performance and his goal was the highlight of the game. An Ghaeltacht’s Scorers: Eugene Curran 1-2, Billy Mahony 0-4, Eamonn Crotty 1-0, Pat Walsh 0-2, Pat Hallahan 0-1. An Ghaeltacht’s Team: Ronan Curran; Sean Sullivan, Declan Regan, Brendan White; Brian Power, Eamonn Foley, Kenneth O’Brien; Eugene Curran, Billy Mahony; Pat Hallahan, Eamonn Crotty, Pat Walsh; Seamus McGrath, P. Crotty, Tony Keane. Subs: Declan Foley, Stephen Curran. Referee: Danny Murphy (Roanmore).


4

THE LOCAL BAR GAA AWARDS BANQUET 2014

The Local Bar Waterford GAA Awards Banquet 2014 held in Lawlors Hotel. Tom Cunningham, Chairman Co. GAA Board presents a Special Achievement Award to Anthony Glavin, Ballysaggart GAA Club. Included are Billy Devine, Club Chairman, John O'Leary, ViceChairman Co. GAA Board and Helena Byrne, The Local Bar, Sponsor. [Sean Byrne//Deise Media]

Dungarvan Observer | Friday, 19 December, 2014

The Local Bar Waterford GAA Awards Banquet 2014 held in Lawlors Hotel. Special Guest, Ken McGrath presents the Underage Footballer of the Year Award to Nire's Conor Gleeson. Included are Tom Cunningham, Chairman Co. GAA Board and Donnacha Gough, The Local Bar, Sponsors. [Sean Byrne//Deise Media]

The Local Bar Waterford GAA Awards Banquet 2014 held in Lawlors Hotel. Tom Cunningham, Chairman Co. GAA Board presents a Special Achievement Award to Anthony Walsh, Treasurer Munster Council. Included are John O'Leary, Vice-Chairman and Donnacha Gough, The Local Bar, Sponsor. [Sean Byrne//Deise Media]

The Local Bar Waterford GAA Awards Banquet 2014 held in Lawlors Hotel. Tom Cunningham, Chairman Co. GAA Board presents a Special Achievement Award to Referee Martin Curran. Included are John O'Leary, Vice-Chairman and Donnacha Gough, The Local Bar, Sponsor. [Sean Byrne//Deise Media]

The Local Bar Waterford GAA Awards Banquet 2014 held in Lawlors Hotel. Tom Cunningham, Chairman Co. GAA Board presents a Special Achievement Award to Referee Dessie O'Leary. Included are John O'Leary, Vice-Chairman and Donnacha Gough, The Local [Sean Byrne//Deise Media] Bar, Sponsor.

The Local Bar Waterford GAA Awards Banquet 2014 held in Lawlors Hotel. Special Guest, Ken McGrath presents the Underage Hurler of the Year Award to Dungarvan's Patrick Curran. Included are Tom Cunningham, Chairman Co. GAA Board and Helena Byrne, The Local Bar, Sponsors. [Sean Byrne//Deise Media]

The Local Bar Waterford GAA Awards Banquet 2014 held in Lawlors Hotel. Brendan O'Brien on behalf of the O'Brien Family presents the Seamus O'Brien Award to Johnny O'Brien, Portlaw. Included are Tom Cunningham, Chairman and John O'Leary, Vice Chairman Co. GAA Board. [Sean Byrne//Deise Media]

The Local Bar Waterford GAA Awards Banquet 2014 held in Lawlors Hotel. Tom Cunningham, Chairman Co. GAA Board presents a Special Achievement Award to Tom O'Byrne, Chairman Modeligo GAA Club. Included are John O'Leary, Vice-Chairman Co. GAA Board and Donnacha Gough, The Local Bar, Sponsor. [Sean Byrne//Deise Media]


Dungarvan Observer | Friday, 19 December, 2014

THE LOCAL BAR GAA AWARDS BANQUET 2014

5

The Local Bar Waterford GAA Awards Banquet 2014 held in Lawlors Hotel. Awards Group. seated from left Tom Shanahan, Ken McGrath All Star Challenge Committee, Special Merit Award; Tom Cunningham, Chairman Co. GAA Board; Johnny O'Brien, Seamus O'Brien Award winner; Mairead McGrath, Jack Furlong Award Winner; Helena Byrne, The Local Bar, Award Sponsors and Conor Gleeson, Underage Footballer of the Year. Standing from left: Stephen O'Keeffe, Hurler of the Year; Patrick Curran, Underage Hurler of the Year; Martin Curran, Special Achievement Award; Tom O'Byrne, Chairman Modeligo GAA Club, Special Achievement Award; Ken McGrath, Special Guest; Ned Heffernan, Chairman Cappoquin GAA Club, Club of the Year Winners; Dessie O'Leary, Special Achievement Award; Anthony Walsh, Special Achievement Award; Billy Devine, Ballysaggart GAA Club, Special Achievement Award and Brian Wall, Footballer of the Year. [Sean Byrne//Deise Media]

The Local Bar Waterford GAA Awards Banquet 2014 held in Lawlors Hotel. Tom Cunningham, Chairman Co. GAA Board presents The Jack Furlong Award (for outstanding services to the GAA) to MairĂŠad McGrath. Included are Joe Cleary, Treasurer Co. GAA Board and Donnacha and Helena Gough, The Local Bar, Sponsors. [Sean Byrne//Deise Media]

The Local Bar Waterford GAA Awards Banquet 2014 held in Lawlors Hotel. Special Guest, Ken McGrath presents the Footballer of the Year Award to Nire's Brian Wall. Included are Tom Cunningham, Chairman Co. GAA Board and Donnacha Gough, The Local Bar, Sponsors. [Sean Byrne//Deise Media]

The Local Bar Waterford GAA Awards Banquet 2014 held in Lawlors Hotel. Tom Cunningham, Chairman Co. GAA Board presents a Special Merit Award to Tom Shanahan, Ken McGrath All Star Challenge Committee. Included are John O'Leary, Vice-Chairman and Donnacha Gough, The Local Bar, Sponsor. [Sean Byrne//Deise Media]

The Local Bar Waterford GAA Awards Banquet 2014 held in Lawlors Hotel. Special Guest, Ken McGrath presents the Hurler of the Year Award to Ballygunner's Stephen O'Keeffe. Included are Tom Cunningham, Chairman Co. GAA Board and Helena Byrne, The Local Bar, Sponsors. [Sean Byrne//Deise Media]


6

GAA

Dungarvan Observer | Friday, 19 December, 2014

County Chairman addresses Western Convention STRADBALLY clubman, Tom Cunningham, addressed the Western Convention for the final time in his current term as County Board Chairman last Wednesday night in Lawlors Hotel and he availed of the occasion to both compliment the Board and their officers on their successful year’s work and to seek support for his election as Waterford’s Central Council Representative on the retire-

ment of Paddy Joe Ryan, who has completed his five years in office. The head of the County Board firstly congratulated the Board on their successful year both on and off the field and he was glad that he had appointed Pat Grant as County Board Fixture Secretary four years ago. The Chairman continued that the County debt has been reduced from €800,000 to

€450,000 during his term and he believes that if the County continues the club levy, then it will be cleared in this time frame. The former Western and County Board player and referee stated that a further 2 year deal with sponsors ‘3’ will be signed in January while the annual sponsorship from JJ Kavanagh and Sons amounts to €20,000 each year. Tom Cunningham con-

cluded by saying that he was glad to be involved in the County’s minor hurling AllIreland win in 2013 and that he spearheaded the erecting of the lights at the Fraher Field a few years ago. The retiring Chairman faces formidable opposition in his quest for election as Central Council Rep from retiring Munster Council Reps Tommy Hennessy from Kill and Pat Flynn from Passage.

Alternative to motion to change Junior Hurling Championship TAKING into account that Western teams have won the last two Munster Junior Hurling Championships, one might be of the opinion, from outside the division and the County, that all is well with the Western Junior Hurling Championship but as, we all know, apart from its high standard, this is not the case as there are not enough teams on its books. In 2013, there was just four teams competing in the championship and by the end of the year, so familiar were they with one another, they could have selected one another’s teams. The break in the schedule of games because of the Inter County Championships was an added blow to the participating clubs satisfaction with the Western Junior set up and so, commendable efforts by all concerned parties are being made to rectify this for 2015. At last week’s Western Convention, a motion in the name of Sliabh gCua/St. Mary’s, with the support of the Board, was put before the delegates for their deliberation as follows: RUIN Junior Hurling Championship: The Junior Hurling Championship will be run in 2 championship, Junior A and Junior B with the following provisions: 1. Junior A to be made up from the strongest junior proper teams and the strongest attached (2nd string) teams. 2. Junior B to be made up from the weakest attached (Second string) teams. 3. The championship will

be run on an East/West basis with the Divisional Boards having the power to grade teams, if they feel a team is too strong for junior A the Divisional officers have the power to recommend that the team be affiliated to intermediate. 4. A club with an attached team must have two rounds of their first teams championship played prior to them playing a junior proper team. 5. Junior championship to commence with the second round of the senior championship. 6. Championship format to be decided by the Divisional Boards Championship structure meeting. 7. Relegation and promotion from Junior A to Junior B to be decided by the Divisional Boards with one exception if a Junior proper Team win the county final in junior B they are automatically promoted to Junior A. 8. This will be run on a two year trial period. Relevant by laws to be amended. (Sliabh gCua/Naomh Muire). The Board’s Vice Chairman, Brendan Tobin, representing his club who are moving the motion, presented and explained the motion to convention. Our own view is that this motion has its flaws and that the current Junior championship can be improved in a different manner. The main purpose of the motion is to increase the number of clubs in the championship but it does it to the unnecessary detriment and indeed the death of the present very successful Junior (Senior Attached) Championship.

Attending the Western GAA Board convention 2014 in Lawlors Hotel were Abbeyside/Ballinacourty GAA Club delegates Jonathan O'Donovan and Neil Moore. [Sean Byrne//Deise Media]

The traditional practice of the team being relegated from the Intermediate championship to the Junior championship can be stopped by this motion and it is our view that this should not be the case and that any such team should earn its right to get back with the Intermediate teams that relegated them. Having seen many of the games in both the Premier Junior and the Junior Senior Attached championships in 2014, it is obvious that there is a big gap in standards between both, which is not being taken into account, and putting them together will, after a few rounds, result in walkovers from the Senior Attached teams and this will only defeat the purpose that the motion is trying to achieve. Furthermore, if this new system is accepted at the affiliations meeting in January, clubs with Senior Attached teams, who will already be at a disadvantage, must play two Senior games before they play a junior proper team, which can keep regraded players away from the Junior grade and prevent a more even playing pitch, so to speak, between the Junior and the Senior Attached teams. Our own opinion is that it is equally important to both increase the numbers in the Junior premier championship and to put teams of equal standard in it as much as possible. As it stands at present, Colligan, St. Mary’s, Geraldines and the relegated team from the Intermediate Championship make up four teams in next year’s championship. If the finalists from the 2014 Junior Senior attached grade are included at either the start, the middle or at the business end of the Premier grade, then the championship will have six teams. Abbeyside were relegated from the Intermediate grade this year and, in our view, they should have the choice between playing in the Premier Junior and the Junior Senior Attached as they are their club’s second team. Winning the County Junior Senior attached Championship last year was good for the Kilgobinet club and if they were to be graded in the Junior Premier in 2015 it can create the same situation for them that they experienced two years ago. The Junior Senior

Attached Western Championship has proven its viability and it’s worth as, subject to correction, it has been won by different clubs in the past four years, Ballyduff (2014), Lismore (2013), Tallow (2012) and Fourmilewater (2011). Because they are attached to Senior clubs, some may be of the opinion that each of these teams and Dungarvan, Ardmore and Cappoquin have a wealth of players at their disposal but the reality last year was that these clubs first task before each game was to ensure that the fixture would be fulfilled and there was never more than two or three subs, at most, to call on. As already argued, the Senior attached grade is a valued Board championship, that is working quite well and it shouldn’t be terminated to make up numbers and shooting practice for the Junior Premier teams. The latter championship is in need of repair but it should not be at the expense of one that is already working well. PROPOSED TEAMS FOR 2015 PREMIER JUNIOR HURLING CHAMPIONSHIP Existing teams: Colligan, Geraldines, St. Mary’s. Relegated from Intermediate: Clashmore/ Kinsalebeg. Senior Attached Western Finalists: Ballyduff, Dungarvan. Option: Abbeyside’s second team that was relegated from Intermediate, to be decided by Abbeyside. PROPOSED TEAMS FOR 2015 SENIOR ATTACHED JUNIOR HURLING CHAMPIONSHIP Ballyduff, Dungarvan, Tallow, Lismore, Fourmilewater, Cappoquin. Option: Abbeyside’s second team, to be decided by Abbeyside. Last year’s Senior Attached Finalists Ballyduff and Dungarvan are listed in both championships. Both clubs played many extra tournament and challenge games last year so they may welcome this opportunity and they could play from the start in the Junior proper grade or be introduced to it at some other stage of it. END RESULT OF ABOVE PROPOSAL The Junior Premier Championship will have a minimum of six teams and the Senior Attached grade will be able to continue.

Attending the Western GAA Board convention 2014 in Lawlors Hotel were Kilrossanty GAA Club [Sean Byrne//Deise Media] delegates David Prendergast, Kevin Lonergan and Jason Dee.

Gates increase of €6,000 reported by Treasurer John Jackson IT was all good news on the financial front at last week’s Western Board Convention during treasurer John Jackson’s Annual report which was both very detailed and exact and was very well received by the club delegates in attendance. The welcome main point of the report was that the Board enjoyed a profit of €12,227 on their work for 2014 with half of this coming from match receipts despite the presence of season tickets. Total income of the year was €60,482.00 against an expenditure of €48,254.44. The Western Board is in a healthy position overall with €39,565.57 in the banks, which prompted Ardmore delegate Noel Conway to suggest that perhaps the Board might give some form of a handshake to a cash strapped County Board. James Tobin, with the Shamrocks delegation, replied that if this were to occur, it would want to be a very gentle handshake as the current sound financial situation of the Western Board was worked hard for over a long number of years. Treasurer, John Jackson

stated that the Season tickets are having an effect on the Board’s match income but the big success this year was the staging of the latter stages of the championships under lights at the Fraher Field, which proved to be financially successful for the Board as the night time games found favour with the paying public. LARGEST GATE OF YEAR The Board’s largest gate of the year, €4,220, was a double header at night on October 4th when Kilgobinet and Clashmore/Kinsalebeg met in the Junior Attached Hurling Final followed by the Premier Junior Hurling decider between Modeligo and Colligan. The next top three double fixture gates were the daytime Intermediate Hurling Final between Cappoquin and Ballinameela, preceded by the under 21 ‘B’ hurling first round game between Ardmore and Clashmore/ Kinsalebeg (€3740), the Intermediate double header quarter-finals between Brickeys and Stradbally and An Rinn and Ballysaggart, under lights (€2,776) and the Brickeys and Stradbally

replay preceded by the Colligan and Geraldines Junior Hurling semi final, also under lights, at €2,440. TOP THREE GATE The largest gate for a single fixture was again at the Fraher Field when patrons paid £2,070 to see the Junior Football Final Replay on a Sunday afternoon between Sean Phobail and Colligan Emmetts. The following top three gates were all played under lights, the Emmetts v Sean Phobail drawn game (€1725), the An Rinn v Cappoquin Intermediate Hurling semifinal (€1500) and the Ballinameela v Brickeys Intermediate Hurling semifinal (€1018). The Western Board staged 56 games at the Fraher Field, 23 in Cappoquin, 21 in Bushy Park, 17 in Colligan as well as fixtures at eight other venues. The total income from games amounted to £46,568 and the income from each of the 155 games was documented in the excellent report of the Treasurer John Jackson, who thanked his gatemen at each venue for their work for the Board.

Junior Hurling Championship structure AS you are all aware, we have a motion going to County Convention to restructure the Junior Hurling Championship. We feel that this is necessary so that our Junior Proper teams can get more games - 4 teams in this year’s competition is just not

enough and we now need to take the necessary action to protect this championship. Clubs should have nothing to fear from this motion and I would appeal to all our clubs to support this motion as presented by the Sliabh gCua/Naomh Muire club. I

am sure we will have a healthy debate at this convention and hopefully, we can answer any concerns you may have. We should never be afraid of change and must embrace change if the structures of our championships demand it.

Local Bar Junior Hurling Senior Attached WE had six teams in this championship and after the league section we had An Baile Dúbh v Tulach An Iarainn in a very exciting semi-final contest. An Baile Dúbh had a three point victory with the final score reading 2-14 to 1-14. In the second semi-final Dún Garbhán and

Lios Mór served up a thriller with Dún Garbhán hanging on to a two point victory. (4-13 to 4-11). In the final An Baile Dúbh won a thriller which ebbed and flowed throughout defeating Dún Garbhán on a scoreline 1-14 to 1-12 Congrats to An Baile Dúbh


GAA

Dungarvan Observer | Friday, 19 December, 2014

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CLG Portlairge Thiar Income and Expenditure as at 15/11/2014 Income Gates League Revenue Sponsorship

€ 46,568 10,214 3,700

Expenditure Field Rent Clubs share of gate Medals Referees Total Officers Expenditure Secretary’s Exp. Telephone Exp. Officers Exp. Meeting Exp. Total

13,757 2,900 2,807 10,009 29,473 ===== 5,500 1,236.42 4665 541.70 11,943.12 ========

Convention Expenses Refreshments P.A. System Total Stationery Printing/Stat./Post Photocopier/Toner Awards Night Golf Classic Co. Board Total

Western GAA Board Convention 2014 in Lawlors Hotel from left: Brendan Tobin, Vice Chairman; Eddie Cunningham, Chairman; Pat Grant, Secretary; John Jackson, Treasurer; Pat Casey, Assistant Treasurer and Tom Cunningham, Chairman Co. GAA Board. [Sean Byrne//Deise Media]

WESTERN BOARD ANNUAL CONVENTION

Chairman loud in praise of the Division’s Munster champions IN his wide ranging address to Convention at Lawlor’s Hotel last Wednesday evening, Chairman Eddie Cunningham from Tallow gave pride of place to the Western Division’s Munster Champions of 2014, Cappoquin in Intermediate hurling and Modeligo in Junior Hurling. The Chairman said that this double was a fantastic achievement by the two clubs and especially as the two of them are from the same parish. Starting his final year in office, Eddie Cunningham stated that winning these titles demonstrates the high standard in the West of the County, while he also congratulated the Nire on the great battle they put up in the Senior Football Final before losing out narrowly to Austin Stacks. Four Western clubs

in total participated in Munster championships, with Brickeys playing Ardfert at the Fraher Field, while the Lismore Camogie team claimed Provincial honours for the second year in-a-row. The popular Tallow clubman went on to say that the Western Championships themselves proved very successful and they were finished on time so that clubs could participate in the Provincial Series, thanks in the main to the hard work of the Runai Pat Grant, who was the fixtures secretary. Special mention was made of Sean Phobail’s win in the Premier Junior Football championship after a gap of 38 years while Kilgobinet’s victory in the Western and County Junior, (Intermediate Attached) Hurling Finals also received special mention.

Attending the Western GAA Board convention 2014 in Lawlors Hotel were Tourin/Ballywilliam GAA Club delegates Jim Barry [Sean Byrne//Deise Media] and J. D. Leahy.

A former referee himself, Eddie Cunningham praised the Board’s referees for their service in 2014 and he said their job is made all the more difficult now with the recent introduction of video evidence. Quite correctly, very much on the side of the referees, the Chairman went on to say that referees only have a split second to call a decision, while the Independant body that is the Disciplinary Committee can spend hours dissecting a match video incident, which happened when two red cards were overturned during the year. The chair of the Board stressed the point that the overturning of a referee’s decision, taking everything into consideration, is not a reflection on the match official. The Cathaoirleach was very strong in his opinion that

Minor players should not have to choose between playing with club or County in the same week as what happened during the past year, while he was also of the opinion that the number of clubs in both Senior hurling and football should be reduced. The number of walkovers in under age football was a concern and after complimenting the schools, the sponsors, the press and the work of Bord na nOg, the chairman concluded his very impressive address by saying the Board was in favour of the motion regarding the revamp of the Junior hurling championship and that it was now up to the clubs to decide at this week’s County Convention and at the Western Boards affiliation meeting on Thursday, 8th January, its format for 2015.

Attending the Western GAA Board convention 2014 in Lawlors Hotel were Dungarvan GAA Club delegates Paddy Fitzgerald and [Sean Byrne//Deise Media] Tony Ryan.

390 200 590 === 691.05 785.00 834.00 360.00 4,634.00 =======

Sundry Expenses Bank Charges Total Income

60,482 ===== 12,227.56 ========

Profit for Year

Total Expenditure

138.27 48,354.44 ========

Balance Sheet as at 15/11/2014 LIABILITIES Surplus from 2013 Profit for 2014

27,338.01 12,227.56

ASSETS Current A/C Cash at Bank Less Uncashed Cheques at 15/11 Current Acc Net Balance 15/11 Credit Union A/C Cash on Hand Prize Bonds (€100) Investments in Credit Scheme (€200)

Total

11,011.65 9,248.00 ------------1,763.65 34,621.00 2,800.00 126.97 253.95 ------------39,565.57 ========

39,565.57 ========

Notes on Accounts 1. The following items appear on both the income and expenditure on the Accounts. Tickets Affiliations Hurling Coach Football Coach Registration WLR Hamper Total

€ 73,740.00 1,645.00 3,125.00 3,125.00 465.00 1,000,00 ------------83,100.00 ========

Attending the Western GAA Board convention 2014 in Lawlors Hotel were Colligan GAA Club [Sean Byrne//Deise Media] delegates John David Walsh, Anthony Walsh and Gary Quinlan.


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Dungarvan Observer | Friday, 19 December, 2014

Western Bord na nOg AGM 2014 THE 2014 Western Bord na nOg AGM was held in Lawlor’s Hotel, Dungarvan on Tuesday, December 2nd last. Chairman Tom Cronin opened the meeting by congratulating Cappoquin on becoming the first Waterford side to claim the Munster Intermediate club hurling title while also wishing Modeligo the best in their Munster Final (which of course they came out on top with a wonderful win over a fancied Castlemartyr outfit). The meeting commenced with the minutes of last year’s convention read out by Angela Whelan (Secretary). Treasurer Pat Morrissey gave a detailed account of the finances during the year and it’s great to see that the board is in a healthy position. Secretary Angela Whelan then gave a detailed account of the Bord na nOg Portlairge Thiar activities throughout a busy 2014 (please see copy of report below). Tom Cronin (Chairman) addressed the meeting, and he thanks all the clubs and his fellow officers for all their help and support during the year. Waterford Coaching & Games manager Eoin Breathnach was our guest speaker on the night, and he gave an excellent presentation about Deise Og along with proposals as regards next year’s fixture planner. Clubs will receive details of the planner and will have time to reflect on it before the gradings meeting in mid – January. The board would like to thanks Eoin for taking the time to attend the meeting and giving the presentation. Election of officers was next on the agenda and these positions are now ratified by the adult County Board with all officers remaining the same for 2015: Chairperson: Tom Cronin (Ardmore), Vice – Chairperson: Mary O’Halloran (Clashmore / Kinsalebeg), Secretary: Angela Whelan (Brickey Rangers), Assistant Secretary: Eddie O’Shea (Affane / Cappoquin), Treasurer: Pat Morrissey (Brickey Rangers), PRO: Tom Guiry (The Nire). The medals were presented to the teams who were victorious in Western finals during the year. This concluded the meeting which went off well, it was disappointing to see a few clubs missing. The board would like to thank everyone for their help and co-operation during the year, here’s wishing you all a very happy Christmas and a prosperous New Year, we wish all clubs the very best of luck for 2015. SECRETARY ANGELA WHELAN’S REPORT TO WESTERN BORD NA NOG AGM 2014 On behalf of Bord Na Nog Port Lairge Thair, it gives me great pleasure to present my first report of the activities for the year 2014 Championships. The season of games began with the Féile football

in February. The quarter final fixed for the 15th of February between St. Pats and An Ghaeltacht ended up in a walk over given by St. Pats. Due to weather conditions and heavy rainfall, pitches were closed and this caused a delay in getting fixtures played as scheduled. St. Olivers played Ballinacourty in the semi-final with a win for Ballinacourty 412 to no score. In the other semi-final An Ghaeltacht got a walk over from St. Carthages. The final took place on the 8th April in Fraher Field. The score ended at An Ghaeltacht 0-1; Ballinacourty 7-7. Ballinacourty went on to meet De La Salle in the County Final. In the Feíle Hurling Scanlon cup competition, Quarter-finals St. Oliver’s 1-6; An Ghaeltacht 3-5, the semi-final saw a win for St. Oliver’s against Cois Bhríde on a score line 1-5 to 1-8. The semi-final between St Carthages and Abbeyside took place on the 26th of April. The score ended of St. Carthages 1-7; Abbeyside 35. The final took place at Affane/Cappoquin GAA pitch on the 9th of May and there to present the winning captain was Maria Scanlon on behalf of the Scanlon family. Final score Abbeyside 4-12; St. Oliver’s 0-4. Abbeyside then went onto play Mt.Sion in the final on the 21st of May in Fraher Field. FÉILE B COMPETITION Due to the change being introduced this year at National Level to the Feíle Competitions, A B competitions open to Div 2 & 3 clubs took place. In the West Ardmore played Dungarvan in the final and came out winners on a score line of 4-4 to 1-3. Ardmore played in B County Final against Sacred Heart. PADDY O’GRADY U-13 FOOTBALL SPONSORED BY CATHAL WALL Winners in each Division are as follows – • Div One – Ballinacourty • Div Two – Clashmore/ Kinsalebeg • Div Three – Kilrossanty The 3 finals were played on the 18th of May in Fraher Field. On behalf of the Board I would like to thank the O’Grady family, Catherine & Joanne who were present to present the winning captains in each division their winning shields. U-14 FOOTBALL SPONSORED BY LAWLORS HOTEL Winners in each Division are as follows – • Div One – Ballinacourty • Div Two – Brickey Rangers • Div Three – Stradbally Div 1 Final was played on the 11th of May in Fraher Field. Div 2 & 3 Final’s were played on the 20th of May as there were play off’s due to teams ending up on level points. As there were no dates marked on calendars these matches were played and as a result not all finals could be played on the one

day. The county finals were played on 24th May in Walsh Park. U-14 HURLING WEST (KNOCK OUT) SPONSORED BY MEADOW FRESH FOODS Div. 1: The U-14 Hurling began on the 28th of May with Div 1 Quarter Final. The score was An Ghaeltacht 2-3; St. Carthages 7-16. Abbeyside played St. Oliver’s in the semi- final with a score of Abbeyside 5-7; St.Oliver’s 1-5. In the other semi- final played Cois Bhríde lost 1-5; St. Carthages 5-14. The Western Final took place on June 7th in Fraher Field and proved a very close game with Abbeyside coming out stronger towards the end. Final score Abbeyside 5-5; St. Carthages 3-5. Div. 2: Naomh Bríd won against Killrossanty in the semi final 1 with a score of Naomh Bríd 6-7; Killrossanty 2-6. Brickeys lost against Dungarvan in the semi-final 2 with a score of Brickeys 34;Dungarvan 5-2. The final proved a very close game with Dungarvan coming out winners at the end with the score of Naomh Bríd 2-2 and Dungarvan 2-6. Div. 3: Ardmore won against Clashmore/ Kinsalebeg with a score of Clashmore/Kinsalebeg 1-5; Ardmore with a score 4-7 (Q.F.1). Fourmilewater lost 27 against Cappoquin with a score of 9-10. Ardmore had bye to final as Stradbally did not field in U-14. Cappoquin 3-5; Ballyduff Upper 5-8. The final proved very entertaining between Ardmore and Ballyduff Upper with both teams very evenly matched. Ballyduff Upper lost one of their players due to a serious injury in the second half and credit to all players who continued to give their best and only missed out towards the end of the finish. Final score was Ballyduff Upper 1-10; Ardmore 3-05. Overall the 3 finals proved very evenly matched and very entertaining to watch. Thanks to Meadow fresh foods who are sponsors here. U-16 HURLING (WEST – KNOCK OUT) SPONSORED BY TOBIN FAMILY KNOCKANORE The U-16 hurling began on the 29th June. In Div 1 – Quarter-Finals: Cois Bhríde got a walk over from St. Olivers while Cappoquin v Brickey Rangers went into extra time with a win for Brickey’s. Score ended at 2-12 to 4-15. The semi finals were Abbeyside v St. Carthages winning by a point, final score was Abbeyside 5-9; St. Carthages 3-16. Brickey’s got a walk-over in semi-final from Cois Bhríde. The final took place on July 20th in Fraher Field with St. Carthages winning 6-18 to Brickey’s 4-10. In Div 2 – Quarter-Finals: An Ghaeltacht lost to Ballyduff Upper and Clashmore gave walk-over to Fourmilewater. The semi-

County Bord na nOg AGM 2014: Officers elected at the County Bord na nOg AGM in Lawlor's Hotel, seated L-R: Jack Laffan (Treasurer), Billy Devine (Chairman), Vera Cannell (Secretary). Standing L-R: Jim Murphy (Vice-Chairman), Gavin Whelan (PRO), Robert Grace (Assistant Secretary). [Rory Wyley]

finals results ended as Fourmilewater 4-13 to Ballyduff Upper 2-14. Naomh Bríd 5-19; Ardmore 1-6 and the final played on 20th July saw Fourmilewater as winners with a score of 3-13 to Naomhbríd 0-7. In Div 3: Kilrossanty played Stradbally in the final on July 20th in Fraher Field. Final score Kilrossanty 2-5; Stradbally 0-8 points. Overall it was very disappointing to see so many walkover’s given in the U-16 Hurling and as a result the Board has decided to review this age group structure in the West next year. U-13 HURLING SPONSORED BY CAPPOQUIN TRANSPORT Div 1: Final was played on the 16th of August in Fraher Field. The score ended with St. Carthages 4-2; Abbeyside 4-14. Div 2: A close division resulting in teams finishing on level points – and as a result play of games were played. Cappoquin, St. Olivers and Ballyduff Upper all finished on level points while Brickey’s and Coís Bhríde both topped the group. Semi finals ended as • Brickey Rangers 8-9; Ballyduff Upper 1-6. • Cois Bhríde 2-8; St. Olivers 1-4 In the final Cois Bhríde came out on top v Brickey’s with a score of 2-9 to 4-7. Div 3: Ardmore & Kilrossanty both withdrew from Division 3 resulting in only three teams left, re-fixtures were done out and clubs agreed to play each other twice. Clashmore came out in 2nd place as Naomh Bríd topped the group while Stradbally finished in 3rd place. The final proved very close with Clashmore winning in the finish. The result ended with Clashmore 3-9; Naomh Bríd 3-6. U-16 FOOTBALL – SPONSORED BY BAUMANN JEWELLERS The U-16 Football was our last Championship to be played. A number of clubs did not take part and we are hoping to re-view the time of year that it is been fixed as the overall feeling from clubs is that it is too late in the year to have this competition running.

Div 1: Ballinacourty played Nire in the final and won the match. The final was held in Fraher Field on the 8th of November. Div 2: Brickey’s had a win over Clashmore|Kinsalebeg in the final. Div 3: Kilrossanty played Stradbally in the final and Kilrossanty came out as the winners. JOHN O’REGAN TOURNAMENT: U-14 FOOTBALL The annual John O’Regan U-14 divisional football tournament final between East & West Waterford was held on Kill GAA Grounds. After an evenly contested opening half the West side held a score of 2-3 against the East lads with a score of 4 points at half-time. The Western lads upped their game even further in the second half and began to kick scores at ease. In the end of the final the West proved to be too strong and came out as the winners. Thanks to the O’Regan family for their continuous sponsorship of this important tournament each year. Also thanks to Kill GAA Grounds for the use of their facilities, to the ladies who supplied refreshments after the game and a final thanks to the referee John Power of Dunhill. After the game Sean O’Regan presented the John O’Regan memorial trophy to James Walsh of St. Pats (West Waterford captain). WEST WATERFORD U-16 NOTES GLEESON CUP The Gleeson Cup final was played in Fraher Field as a curtain raiser to a senior match on the 25th April with West Waterford side defeating East Waterford by 3-10 to 17 points. In the Munster Interdivisional our first game was against Tipperary north and it was a fast and energetic game with both teams playing well from the start. We edged the first half with well taken goals from Jack Prendergast and Liam O’Connell and led by 5 point at half-time. Tipperary fought back in the second half and at one point we were level, it was a close finish but we came out with a one point win. Our second game was against Limerick and once

again we put in a very strong performance and took control of the game and were leading by 10 points at half-time. Limerick did come back into the game but we held on for a two point win. Our third game was against Imokilly and we knew this was going to be our toughest challenge. Early goals proved the difference and we were well beaten but a great team effort by the panel and great commitment shown at training and during all our games. Thanks to the Western Bord Na nÓg and secretary Angela for their great support in organising buses, first aid, physio and food and drinks during the tournament. This was greatly appreciated. U-16 Coaches – • Stephen Curran (An Ghaeltacht) • Fintan Murray (Cappoquin) • Eoin Hickey (Ballyduff Upper) • Donal O’Rourke (Cappoquin) LARRY QUINN SKILLS CO. FINAL Congratulations to Ciaran Mc Carthy from Cois Bhríde on winning the Larry Quinn County Final U-13 Hurling Skills competition. He was crowned champion after just edging out Michael Kiely from Abbeyside, with Patrick Leary from Ballygunner in 3rd place. DEVELOPMENT SQUADS & SKILLS COMPETITION Well done to all players from the Western Division who took part in development squads and skills throughout the year representing their clubs and county levels. SPONSORSHIP Huge thanks to all our sponsors who come on board every year and assist Bord na Nóg towards the running costs each year. Our sponsors are: Tom Kiely Cappoquin Transport, Catha Wall, Lawlors Hotel, Meadowfresh Foods Tallow, Baumann Jewelers and the Tobin Family Knockanore. We always welcome new sponsorship to come along if there is anyone interested. REFEREES Huge thanks to all our referees who officiated during the year and we sincerely thank them for their assistance and patience and also

their co-operation. Thankfully we have had very few issues or reports to deal with this year and we ask clubs to give respect to referees and to always urge their players to do the same. We as adults should remember the Logo that is been used to promote our national games “GIVE RESPECT GET RESPECT”. Also a huge thanks to my assistant secretary Eddie O’Shea who has the task of appointing referees for all our games, without Eddie our games could not go ahead and Eddie as always has been excellent in his position as assistant appointing referees and making sure our games go ahead as fixed. PRESS + PHOTOGRAPHER Thanks to all the local papers and photographers for their coverage of our games throughout the year. In particular I would like to thank P.R.O Gavin Whelan from the County Bord for his excellent work in promoting our finals and updates on the radio and throughout the media websites. I would also like to thank our photographer Rory Wyley who was present for all our finals and was always available when asked to assist us. SYMPATHY A sincere sympathy to all members of our division who has suffered from family bereavements during the year, we mourn their passing and loss and remember them at this time. PITCHES In order to complete our competitions and games we rely on clubs to provide their pitches, we acknowledge all the clubs who helped out in this regard. We thank those clubs who provide their grounds and facilities for tournaments and other events during the year. We also acknowledge and thank Fraher Field’s personnel Geraldine O’Keefe and, in particular, Oilly Drummy for his help and support throughout the year. CONCLUSION Finally, I would like to thank all the club and club secretaries for their hard work and assistance throughout the year. As my first year as secretary I would like to say thanks to those for their understanding and co-operation. To my fellow officers and committee members I would like to thank them also for all their assistance. I would like to say well done to all the clubs who took part in our games, to the players, mentors and all who contributed in any way. I would also like to thank the Waterford Coaching & Games Committee for their help and assistance and to Officer Eoin Breatnach for all his help in co-ordinating and fixing our games. Best wishes to all again for the New Year ahead, apologies if I have left anyone out in my report. Is Mise Aingeal Ní Fhaolain Runaí Bord na nÓg Thiar


Dungarvan Observer | Friday, 19 December, 2014

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Gaelic Jottings County Awards JUST short of 300 people sat down with the nominees and the winners of the Local Bar 2014 County GAA Awards at Lawlors Hotel last Friday evening. The committee had nine deliberations to consider and the results were met with overall approval; Seamus O’Brien Award for life time of service: Johnny O’Brien (Portlaw), Referee Awards: Martin Curran (Sean Phobail) and Dessie O’Leary (Erins Own), Special Achievement Award: Anthony Walsh (Colligan Emmetts), Special Merit Award: The Ken McGrath All Star Challenge Committee, Jack Furong Award: Mairead McGrath (Brickey Rangers), Club of the Year: Cappoquin, Under Age Footballer of the Year: Conor Gleeson (Nire), Under Age Hurler of the Year: Patrick Curran (Dungarvan), Adult Footballer of the Year: Brian Wall (Nire), Adult Hurler of the Year: Stephen O’Keeffe (Ballygunner). These four player awards were announced by special guest Ken McGrath. M.C. for the night was the Awards chairman Brendan Tobin and the various winners were interviewed by Micheal Drislane. This was another very well organised and successful Awards night and great credit is due to the committee for their work in ensuring this.

Tommy Hennessy seeks position on Central Council KILL’S Tommy Hennessy, who was Waterford’s representative on the Munster Council for 19 years up to the year 2009 has thrown his name into the election hat for the County’s Central Council delegate to Croke Park along with Pat Flynn and Tom Cunningham. The Hennessy name is closely linked with the Kill Club for decades, spearheaded by Tommy, who played in the Kill colours from 1959 to 2001, a career spanning six decades and lasting for 42 years. Tommy first lined out with Kill National School in 1959 in the under 14 City Leagues under the coaching of the legendary Kerry teacher Dan O’Brien and it was in the 1960’s that he really came to notice on the playing fields when he played wing forward on Kill’s three in a row Senior football winning team of 1966 to 1968. A football man at heart, Tommy won an Inter Firms title with Tramore Builders in 1980 but he also won Junior hurling medals with Kill against Abbeyside in 1966 in the County Junior Final and against Modeligo twenty years later in 1986 in the Junior ‘B’ decider. The Kill man’s career in GAA officialdom went hand in hand with his playing career and he was an Easter Board delegate to the County Board from 1970 until 1990. During his 19 years on the Munster Council, Tommy Hennessy served on various committees and he has been chairman of the Provincial Development Committee, the hearings committee, the football review committee and he also served for ten years on the Munster scor committee. He possesses a healthy C.V. heading into this Thursday night’s County Convention and the battle for this position could well be the highlight of the night.

Final games of 2014 THE last two championship games of 2014 were played last Sunday when first of all Naomh Brid prevented St. Olivers from completing a Western Minor double at the new pitch in the Abbeyside club grounds. This hurling final produced ten goals and twenty six points with Stephen Coffey from Kilgobinet registering a first half hat-trick while Touraneena’s Mike Kearns was the game’s top scorer with a tally of 1-10 (7f) to his credit. Final Score 6-16 to 4-10. The final game at the Fraher Field saw An Ghaeltacht bridge a 25 year gap to win the J. J. Kavanagh and Sons County Under 21’B’ Hurling title. The Western Champions were too strong for Tramore who didn’t score from play until the final minute of added time. An Ghaeltacht led by 1-9 to 0-2 at the break and two second half goals by full forward Fearghal O Ceallaigh aided a good win for the An Rinn/Sean Phobail combination. Final Score 3-12 to 0-7.

The Local Bar Waterford GAA Awards Banquet 2014 held in Lawlors Hotel. Joe Cleary, Treasurer Co. GAA Board presents the Club of the Year Award to Maria Scanlon, Secretary Cappoquin GAA Club winners. Included are Ned Heffernan, Chairman and Martin Power, Treasurer Cappoquin GAA Club; Tom Cunningham, Chairman and John O'Leary, Vice Chairman, Co. GAA Board and Donnacha Gough, The Local Bar, Sponsors. [Sean Byrne//Deise Media]

Honoured at Munster Awards

from 2009 to 2014. The popular proprietor of Comeragh Oil has an impressive C.V. and he will be difficult to beat in the contest for the Chair.

IT was a special weekend for the Wall family of the Nire GAA Club last weekend with Brian being selected as the adult football player of the year in Waterford on Friday night and his dad Jim was inducted into the Hall of Fame at the Munster Awards night at Dromoland castle on the Saturday. Jim was full back on the winning Railway cup football team in 1972 on a team that also included Corkmen Ray Cummins, Denis Coughlan, Billy Morgan, Frank Cogan and Kevin J. O’Sullivan, Kerry men Mick O’ Dwyer, Mick O’Connell, Seamus Fitzgerald, John O’Keeffe, Tom Prendergast, Eamonn O’Donoghue and Donie O’Sullivan and Tipperary’s Babs Keating. Comhgairdeachas freisin to Mac Dara Mac Donnacha, An Rinn, who won a media award for his coverage on our games all over the country in recent years on both paper and our TV screens. A fountain of knowledge on GAA affairs, this is a deserving award for the popular tribesman.

For the Chair? FORMER County Board Chairman Paddy Joe Ryan is seeking a second term as County Board Chairman at this Thursday evening’s County Convention in Lawlors Hotel. The Fourmilewater and Nire clubman has already got a ten year tenure behind him from 1994 to 2004. Paddy Joe was born the day the hall was opened in Ballymac in 1952 and he played minor hurling and football for Waterford in 1969 and in 1970. In his playing days, Paddy Joe was one of the best free takers in the County and he was on winning Fourmilewater Western Intermediate Hurling teams in 1973, 77, 78, 83, 88, 89 and 1993. Paddy Joe scored 0-12 in the 1973 final and he cut a sideline ball over the bar with the last puck of the game to earn a replay in the 1988 final. County Intermediate medals were won in 1979, 83, and 1989 and his career in the Board rooms took off in the 1990’s as Western Board chairman in 1993, County Board Chairman from 1994 to 2004, Munster Council Rep from 2004 to 2009 and Central Council Rep

announced for Thursday, January 8th and the cut-off point for transfers is the following day Friday, 9th at twelve midnight.

Western Board The Fraher Field popular groundsman at the Fraher Secretary enters THE Field Ollie Drummy has informed the that all activities in the Gaelic final year of office Observer Field this year amounted to 294 DELEGATES to the Western Convention at Lawlors Hotel last Wednesday evening were welcomed by Paddy Fitzgerald, the joint President of the host club, Dungarvan GAA, who complimented the Board on having their championships finished in time and the main credit for this undoubtedly goes to the Divisional Runai, Pat Grant. The Fourmilewater clubman, who celebrated his 50th birthday on the night, is also the County Board’s Fixture Secretary and, despite the lack of games played by both Boards due to the controversial no game situation during the Inter County Championships, every one of our County Champions were ready to play their Munster Championship fixtures, which no doubt such clubs as Modeligo and Cappoquin will be eternally grateful for. The Western Board have been fortunate over the years to have had the services of such outstanding secretaries as Seamus O’Brien, Vincent Mulligan and Anthony Walsh and there is no doubting but that the current Runai, Padraig Mac Grainne belongs to the same category of hard work and efficiency as the above trio. Much of the business of the Board in 2015 will centre on finding a suitable replacement for the current secretary. The election of Officers was completed in record time with just one change in the line-up for next year as Neil Moore from the Abbeyside/ Ballinacourty club replaces Brendan Tobin from Touraneena as the Vice Chair, whose maximum 5 year term has been completed. Other invited speakers on the night included Tom Cunningham, Paddy Joe Ryan, Jimmy O’Gorman, Anthony Walsh and James Tobin. The championship medals for 2014 were presented to the winning clubs at the conclusion of the Convention and the championship affiliation meeting was

occasions that this popular venue was used. This is a huge ask on the dedication of the staff at the grounds and one which all Boards, clubs, players etc. should be grateful for.

County SHC titles in the West TALLOW clubman Eddie Cunningham handed on some very interesting, yet, very worrying information regarding Senior Hurling Championship Titles won by Western clubs over the years. 115 finals have been played and clubs from the Western division have won only 17 of these as follows: Dungarvan (6), Tallow (4). Ballyduff and Lismore (3 each) and Tourin (1). Only one title has been won by Western clubs this century and that was Ballyduff’s famous win over Ballygunner in 2007.

Munster Under 161⁄2 Schools Camogie Final Ard Scoil na Déise 3-6; Glanmire Community School 1-7. ON a fresh Saturday morning at 12 o’clock the Munster u-16½ final took place in Bushy Park. Both teams had put in weeks of preparation and were both raring to go. There was plenty of supporters from both sides. Ard Scoil na nDeise took on Glanmire Community College. Ard Scoil were the losing team of the same competition last year and were prepared to do everything in their power not to leave it behind them this year. When the referee, Tommy O’Sullivan, threw in the first ball both

sets of midfielders fought their hardest. Glanmire’s midfield was led by the Trojan work of Kellie Lyons and Donna Kerrigan. The Ard Scoil team got on the scoreboard first with Sibeal Harney and Sarah Lacey putting over points each. The Ard Scoil backs were like a brick wall rarely ever leaving a ball past them, led by full back Alix Fitzgerald and centre back Clodagh Curran. Glanmire’s midfield Kellie Lyons pointed some great frees throughout the game. Sibeal Harney, Kate McGrath and Sarah Lacey led the Waterford side from the centre of the field with Sibeal scoring a hat trick. Glanmire replied with another goal and point from Kellie Lyons but the Ard Scoil proved to just have the bit more luck on their side. The match was close the whole way through and it was a great display of camogie from both sides. Ard Scoil beat Glanmire Community College 3-6 to 1-7 when the final whistle blew. Cheers came from the Ard Scoil side as captain Kate McGrath lifted the cup. I’m sure that Glanmire Community College will be back playing just as well along with the Ard Scoil again next year! – Kayleigh Veale 6th Year, in Ard Scoil Na Deise.

County Convention contests Chairman: Paddy Joe Ryan v Tim Byrne (Erin’s Own). Treasurer: Joe Cleary v John Jackson. Central Council Rep: Pat Flynn v Tommy Hennessy v Tom Cunningham.

Kilkenny legend J. J. Delaney retires THE defender won nine All-Ireland senior hurling medals and seven All Stars in an outstanding career that began back in 2001, the year he made his championship debut. He also won ten Leinster SHC medals and eight National Hurling League medals. He will be remembered as one of the greatest hurlers in the history of the game, and retires as a reigning All-Ireland winner and All Star. Right until the end, he was vital to Kilkenny's cause.


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GAA

Dungarvan Observer | Friday, 19 December, 2014

Some members of the Affane/Cappoquin intermediate hurling team with Jacinta Uniacke, Munster Signs & Print, who sponsored the DVD Cover design and prints at the launch of the DVD Triple Crown & Glory. [Sean Byrne//Deise Sport]

66 Main Street, Dungarvan (058) 45590 nicky@mckennacomputers.com

McKenna Computers Club Focus

From the Dungarvan Observer Saturday, 24th, 1960 CHRISTMAS CRACKER

Junior Final ends all square COLLIGAN AND BALLYDUFF MUST MEET AGAIN Ballyduff ............................…………… 3-6; Colligan Rockies ...............…………… 4-3. THANK heavens for a draw. That surely must have been the general feeling of neutrals, at least, who witnessed last Sunday’s thrilling junior hurling final between Colligan Rockies and Ballyduff at the Fraher Field. After a pulsating and closely fought struggle the sides deservedly ended in stalemate and the eagerly awaited replay could place the junior championship on an few pedestal within the county. And straight away let it be said that the result was a fitting one in the extreme. Admittedly, Colligan’s equalising goal in the dying minutes was in my opinion undisputedly scored from inside the parallelogram, yet there is no gainsaying the fact that the Rockies were deserving of another chance. Indeed, they too seemed destined to succeed when they held a commanding 8 point lead midway through the opening half. At this stage, had their attack availed of the numerous scoring chances offered them, then their lead would have been infinitely greater. Thus, neither side can have any qualms at the final result. Both sides could have triumphed, but in the final analysis, it would have been a gross miscarriage of justice had either side been beaten. Of the two, however, the Rockies were the better all round balanced side, with most sectors good without being brilliant. ONE MAN TEAM In marked contrast, Ballyduff could not been deemed other than a one-man team. Never in my experience can I recall one man dominating a game to such an alarming extend as Tom Cheasty did on Sunday. Indeed, this game could, without exaggera-

tion, be billed as Cheasty versus Colligan Rockies such was the brilliance of his display. Without him Ballyduff would have suffered an ignominious fate. They were a disappointing side, solely dependant on the one individual, and it speaks volumes for this unorthodox wizard that the Rockies were held to a draw. Opening at centre-forward, he gave Mickey Walsh a hazardous time, and had the Rockies’ defence in a state of panic on numerous occasions. But for all that his efforts were going for nought. BRILLIANT GOALKEEPER Beyond all doubt, chief honours on the Colligan side must go to goalkeeper Paddy Fitzgerald whose uncanny anticipation saved his side on numerous occasions during the game. Several of his saves bordered on the miraculous, and on this display must stand amongst the top flight of goalkeepers in the county. BYRNES OUTSTANDING But the Rockies outstanding outfield player was Tom Byrnes. A stylist to his fingertips, the Modeligo man had a superb hour. On the resumption, it was all Ballyduff and points by Cheasty in the 4th and 6th minutes and a goal from Paddy White, gave them a one point lead. In the 20th minute, Pat Power had another point and shortly afterwards Cheasty pointed another free. The Rockies now seemed to be facing inevitable defeat, but seconds before the final whistle, Jimmy Tobin, from inside the square (in my opinion) scored the match-saving equaliser. Incidentally, Billy McGrath, who refereed the game splendidly, played 5 minutes overtime in the opening half, whilst the second half was almost 2 minutes short. Colligan Rockies: P. Fitzgerald; J. Kiely, C. Power, C. Dower; M. Flynn, M. Walsh, P. Tobin; T. Byrnes, P. Kirwan; J. Flynn, G. Quinlan, E. Brett; P. Walsh, D. Tobin, J. Tobin. Ballyduff: N. Whelan; T. McGrath, N. Larkin, T. Faulkner; J. Kirwan, T. Nolan, W. Power; M. Power, M. Oates; M. Regan, T. Cheasty, J. Donnell; P. Power, P. White, S. Connolly. Sub: C. White for P. White.

Waterford lose out to Dublin in December series Dublin ………………...2-22; Waterford ……………1-19. PLAYING their third game in seven days Waterford went down to a third defeat against an impressive Dublin outfit in bitterly cold conditions under the Carraiganore lights on Friday evening last. Dublin looked the more accomplished side, playing the short passing game to perfection against an experimental Waterford side that continues to depend on Pauric Mahony as the primary score getter. Like Waterford, Dublin fielded an experimental side with newcomers interspersed with seasoned campaigners such as Paul Kelly, Shane Durkin, Simon Lambert, Eamonn Dillon, Dots O’Callaghan and Peader Carton. With Stephen O’Keeffe and Austin Gleeson in Dungarvan for the Awards function Waterford started seven of the side that started against Wexford the previous Sunday. Dublin quickly got into their stride with early points from the impressive Paul Winters and Eamonn Dillon and after Mikey

Kearney had Waterford’s opening point Peader Carton’s 9th minute goal gave the visitors a 1 - to 0-1 lead. Pauric Mahony had missed a few early chances for the home side before weighing in with two points but with Dillon orchestrating the Dublin attack at centre forward the Waterford defence was coming under constant pressure as Winters and Dots Callaghan picked off the points before Callaghan rose high to make a fine catch in the 20th minute before turning his man and sweeping the ball to the net for a 2-7 to 0-9 lead. While Dublin were playing the short game to perfection Waterford were using the short puck out well with O’Regan picking out his defenders but then the long ball into the forwards nullified any benefit from the short puck out. Mahony continued to add points from frees and play with Martin O’Neill and Paudie Prendergast weighing in with one apiece before the break but Dublin remained well in control going into the second half with an unflatter-

ing 2-11 to 0 -10 lead. Ferrybank’s Mark O’Brien had replaced the injured Paudie Prendergast in midfield for Waterford before halftime and the home side started the second half well with early points, from play, by Pauric Mahony and Martin O’Neill. Dublin continued to look dangerous on the attack however, and after a further exchange of points the score stood at 2-15 to 0-15 after fifty five minutes. When operating at the edge of the square, Michael Walsh won good possession and he laid the ball off to the unmarked Mikey Kearney who finished expertly to the net for the Waterford goal. Waterford could not push on however, and the closing minutes saw Dublin finishing the stronger side as Waterford entered their bench. Waterford will have Limerick I.T. as visitors to Carraiganore on January 11th next in the Waterford Crystal Cup. In the meantime, Waterford will have their final outing of the ‘December Series’ this coming

Wednesday evening when Clare will be the visitors to Fraher Field. Scorers – Dublin: Paul Winters 0-6 (4Fs), David O’Callaghan 1-3, Peader Carton 1-2, Eamonn Dillon 0- 4 (1Fs), John Hetherton, Darragh Plunkett and Cian Boland 0-2 each, Shane Durkin 0-1. Waterford: Pauric Mahony 0- 9 (5Fs), Mikey Kearney 1-3 (0-2Fs), Martin O’Neill 0-2, Paudie Prendergast, Jamie Barron, Tommy Connors, Michael Walsh and Cormac Curran 0-1 each. Dublin: Alan Nolan, Stephen O’Connor, Shane Barrett, Ger McManus, Shane Durkin, Paul Kelly, Simon Lambert, Glenn Whelan, Darragh Plunkett, John Hetherton, Eamonn Dillon, Paul Winters, David O’Callaghan, Sean Ryan, Peader Carton. Subs used: Fintan Mc Gibb, Cian McBride, Cian Boland, Eoin O’Donnell and Stephen Chester. Waterford: Ian O’Regan, Shane McNulty, Barry Coughlan, Noel Connors, Gavin O’Brien, Tadhg De Burca, Shane Fives, Jamie Barron, Paudie Prendergast, Thomas Connors, Michael Walsh, Martin O’Neill, Tommy Waring, Pauric Mahony, Mikey Kearney. Subs used: Mark O’Brien, Cormac Curran, John Morrissey, Eoin Madigan, Eamonn Power, Michael Harney and Eddie Lynch. Referee: Paul Foley.

McGrath’s Newsagents MITCHEL STREET, DUNGARVAN 058-41661 Newspapers • Sweets • General Grocery

Teams of Times Gone By FOURMILEWATER WESTERN INTERMEDIATE HURLING CHAMPIONS 1980 Team: Fourmilewater. Opposition: Ardmore. Venue: Lismore. Date: Sunday, December 21st (Replay). Half-Time Score: Ardmore 1-3; Fourmilewater 1-2. Full-Time: Fourmileater 25; Ardmore 1-5. Captain: Tom Moore. Referee: Richie Ormonde ( Lismore). Tom Moore; PJ Moore, Phil Harte, Mick Connolly; Mattie Whelan, Pat Hally, Michael Hally; Jim Ryan, John Morgan; Johnny Halpin, Richard Foley, Thomas Crotty; John Ryan, Michael Ryan, PJ Ryan. Scorers: P. J. Ryan 2-3, Michael Ryan 0-1, John Ryan 0-1.

1962 Friary senior football team – Front row (l. to r.): P. Byrne, D. Linehan, M. Heffernan, T. Queally, L. Buckley, J. O'Keeffe, P. Carleton (capt.), D. Buckley, M. O'Reilly and M. McCarthy. Back row (l. to r.): J. Crowley, J. C. O'Brien, T. McCarthy, F. Colbert (goalkeeper), M. Colbert, D. Brennock, P. O'Regan, F. Power, P. O'Sullivan and B. O'Keeffe. Waterford-born players include P. Carleton, T. McCarthy, D. Brennock, F. Colbert, M. O'Reilly, D. Linehan, M. Colbert, T. Queally and P. O'Regan, with the former four being intercounty minor players during the same year.


GAA

Dungarvan Observer | Friday, 19 December, 2014

11

2014 MUNSTER GAA AWARDS

Waterford’s Jim Wall joins elite band Mac Dara Mac Donncha wins media award Year for leading Kerry to the All Ireland senior football championship title in 2014. Overcoming the setbacks of retirements and injuries to some key players, his managerial, motivational and tactical skills were in evidence throughout the season as a young and relatively inexperienced Kerry team showed skill, determination, courage and flexibility in their game plan on their way to securing the county’s 76th Munster and 37th All Ireland titles. One of a younger generation of inter-county managers, Eamonn is a deserving winner of this year’s award. Speaking on the announcement of these awards Robert Frost, Chairman of Munster GAA said “Patrick Horgan and James O’Donoghue contributed hugely to their teams march through Munster to secure titles for Cork and Kerry respectively. The success of Kerry in winning AllIreland Senior honours following an intriguing football championship is a great tribute to the leadership and managerial skills of Eamonn Fitzmaurice and he is a deserving winner of Manager of the Year” The full list of Munster GAA Award winners for 2014 are as follows:

WATERFORD star footballer, Jim Wall and Tipperary hurling hero, Liam Devaney, are the latest Munster legends to be inducted into the Hall of Fame, it was announced recently. The two greats received their awards at the Munster GAA Awards Gala Dinner on Saturday, December 13th in Dromoland Castle, Co. Clare. Tipperary and BorrisoIeigh’s Liam Devaney was a vital member of the great Tipperary team of the late 1950s and 1960s. Uniquely he played in every position bar full back for Tipperary. He was Texaco hurler of the Year in 1961 and he won 5 All Ireland senior medals, 9 National League medals, 8 Munster senior medals, 6 Oireachtas medals, 3 Railway Cup medals and 2 All Ireland and Munster minor medals. He played senior hurling with Borrisoleigh from 1952 to 1974 winning a county championship in 1953. He will be remembered as one of the most skilful forwards of his generation and his contribution to Tipperary in an era of unprecedented success for the County will always be remembered. The Nire’s Jim Wall is synonymous with football in Waterford. He has given a lifetime of service to football in his Club and County. He also played with Munster and won a Railway Cup medal alongside many Munster football luminaries in 1972. He played football for Waterford from 1968 to 1974, a highlight of that period being Waterford’s spell in Division 1 of the National Football League in the 1971-72 league season. He captained his beloved Nire to the Waterford Intermediate title in 1971 and was a selector on the Nire team which won the club’s first County senior football championship title in 1993. He also served as a Waterford football selector. Commenting on the announcement of the Hall of Fame winners for 2014, Robert Frost, Chairman of Munster Council said: “Liam Devaney was a star on Tipperary’s best ever team while Jim Wall has given many decades of sterling service to football in Waterford. Their many achievements are worthy of recognition and I am delighted to see them hon-

oured with this year’s Hall of Fame awards” Other 2014 award winners also announced were Mac Dara Mac Donncha of Waterford who receives the Media Award; Shane Hourigan RIP of Limerick who receives the Services to Refereeing award posthumously following his death in a car accident earlier this year; Derry Gowen of Cork who was given the Special Merit Award for his contribution to Culture and Scór; John Lenihan of University of Limerick GAA for Service to Education; Cork’s John Cronin for Intermediate Hurling Award and Gavan O’Grady of Kerry for Junior Football. SENIOR PLAYERS AND MANAGER OF THE YEAR Cork hurler, Patrick Horgan, Kerry’s James O‘Donoghue and Kerry Senior Football Manager, Eamonn Fitzmaurice have secured the hurler, footballer and manager of the year accolades respectively in the 2014 Munster GAA Awards. The awards were presented on Saturday night at a gala dinner in Dromoland Castle, Co. Clare where over 30 players, officials and legends will be honoured. Patrick Horgan was instrumental in securing Cork’s first Munster senior hurling title since 2006. He scored 8 points in the final and contributed 2-43 to Cork’s championship tally in 2014. His ability to get fantastic scores from play and frees made has made him the key player in the Cork attack. His leadership on and off the pitch are also hugely important to Cork and he widely recognised as a great ambassador for Cork hurling and the game in general. Kerry’s James O’Donoghue wins the Footballer of the year award for the second successive season. His performance in the Munster senior football final was outstanding and ranks among the great performances in the many clashes between Kerry and Cork. He also played a key role in Kerry’s All Ireland success and has already won an All-Star and the much coveted GAA / GPA Footballer of the Year title for 2014 for his many exciting and match winning performances. Eamonn Fitzmaurice has been named Manager of the

Ladies Football

Lismore Camogie

SEASON’S GREETINGS On behalf of the Waterford County Board, I would like to wish everybody connected with Ladies Football in the county, a Happy Christmas and a successful New Year. Thanks to our generous sponsors who helped us financially during the last year. Many thanks to our friends in the media for all their help and co-operation in 2014.

SANTA'S VISIT TO OUR INDOOR CAMOGIE PLAYERS On Thursday, December 18th, Santa will pay a visit to all our Indoor Camogie players at 6 p.m. in Lismore Community Centre and there will be fun and games for all the children until 7 p.m. Indoor camogie will take a break over the Christmas

Minor Hurling – Tom Morrisey (Limerick) Minor Football – Matthew Flaherty (Kerry) Under 21 Hurling – Seadhna Morey (Clare) Under 21 Football – Alan Cadogan (Cork) Intermediate Hurling – John Cronin (Cork) Junior Football – Gavan O’Grady (Kerry) Camogie Award – Jennifer O’Leary (Cork) Ladies Football – Angela Walsh (Cork) Handballer of Year – The Mullins brothers – Pakie, Billy, Jimmy and Kevin (Tipperary) Service to Refereeing – Shane Hourigan RIP (Limerick) Service to Education – John Lenihan (University of Limerick GAA) Media Award – Mac Dara Mac Donncha (Waterford) Special Merit Award Culture – Derry Gowen (Cork) Hall of Fame Football – Jim Wall (Waterford) Hall of Fame Hurling – Liam Devaney (Tipperary) Club of Year – Cratloe (Clare) Senior Hurler of Year – Patrick Horgan (Cork) Senior Footballer of Year – James O’Donoghue (Kerry) Manager of Year – Eamonn Fitzmaurice (Kerry)

season and will return again in the New Year on the 7th/8th January at the usual times. SEASONS GREETINGS! All in Lismore Camogie Club would like to wish all our players, mentors and supporters a very happy and peaceful Christmas and a successful new year.

LAUNCH OF KILL GAA LONG PUCK – Last Saturday Kill GAA launched the 13th edition of their annual Long Puck competition. This year sees a new start time of 1.30 p.m. and a new entry fee of €10 for adults and €5 for juveniles. Kirwan’s Bar is the host venue this time around and as usual it’s on December 27th, which is a Saturday. Don’t forget to bring your own sliotars

Waterford County Camogie THE fixtures for the 2015 season were issued this past week. Some teams are back in action from February so lots of preparation required between now and then. The following are the fixtures: IRISH DAILY STAR NATIONAL LEAGUE The Waterford team will play in Division 2 of the Irish Daily Star National league and will be playing against Down, Kilkenny, Cork, Meath and Tipperary. Dates of Waterford games are as follows: Round 1 on Sunday, 22nd February Home to Tipperary. Round 2 on Sunday, 8th March Away to Cork. Round 3 on Sunday, 15th March Away to Meath. Round 4 Sunday, 22nd March Home to Kilkenny. Round 5 Sunday, 5th April Away to Down (Easter Sunday). Semi-final on 19th April. Final on 3rd May. ALL IRELAND MINOR A CHAMPIONSHIP After the success in 2014 of winning the ‘B’ All Ireland, this year’s team are playing in the ‘A’ Division and will play against Limerick, Offaly, Galway and Dublin. Dates of Waterford games are as follows:

Round 1 Weekend of 21st/22nd Feb Away to Offaly. Round 2 Saturday, 28th February Away to Galway. Round 3 Saturday, 21st March Home to Limerick. Round 4 Saturday, 29th March Bye Round 5 Saturday, 4th April Home to Dublin. Semi-final on 18th April. Final on 25th April. LIBERTY INSURANCE ALL- IRELAND INTERMEDIATE CHAMPIONSHIP After having featured in the last three All-Ireland Intermediate semi-finals and being beaten by the eventual winners on the last two, we are hopeful that the team can excel this year. The 2015 All-Ireland championship sees Waterford in a Group with Tipperary, Kilkenny, Kildare and Antrim. The fixtures for the 2015 All- Ireland championship are as follows: Round 1 Saturday, 4th July Home to Antrim. Round 2 Saturday, 11th July Bye. Round 3 Saturday, 18th July Away to Tipperary. Round 4 Saturday, 25th July Home to Kilkenny. Round 5 Saturday, 2nd August Away to Kildare. Semi-finals 22nd/23rd August.

Final 13th September. U16 ALL IRELAND CHAMPIONSHIP Continuing to show the rise of popularity in Waterford of camogie, we are in a position to enter two teams at the U-16 Grade due to playing numbers. One team will compete in the B section while the other will compete in the C section. This B section team are in a Group with Cork, Antrim and Dublin. Saturday, 19th July Home v Dublin. Saturday, 26th July v Antrim (halfway venue). Sunday, 2nd August - Away to Cork. This C section team are in a Group with Cavan, Donegal, Carlow, Roscommon and Kildare. Round 1 on Saturday, 4th July Away to Roscommon. Round 2 on Saturday, 11th July v Donegal (halfway venue). Round 3 on Saturday, 18th July Home v Kildare. Round 4 on Saturday, 25th July Away v Carlow. Round 5 on Saturday, 1st August Home v Cavan. Best wishes to all player and management of these teams and hopefully 2015 will be as rewarding to Waterford camogie as 2014 has been.

Collins joins double celebrations in Ballymacarbry CLARE All Star Podge Collins proved a popular guest speaker at the Ballymacarbry Community Centre on Sunday night as The Nire and Fourmilewater celebrated an historic minor double in football and hurling. The footballers, skippered by Jack Guiry, bounced back from two early setbacks in the group stages to defeat Stradbally in the Division 1 decider by 3-11 to 0-6. Conor Gleeson led the hurlers to the Division 3 championship following two epic battles with Naomh Bríd. They edged out their neighbours by 0-14 to 1-10 in the replay as Dylan Guiry grabbed the winner. 21 players received medals on the night and 19 participated in both triumphs. DVDs of both finals were also launched with commentary provided by Gavin Whelan. Collins was the perfect choice to present the medals and he offered sensible

words of advice to the group during a fascinating interview with MC Michael Ryan. “It’s all about how successful you want to be. When I was 16, I consulted with the right people and got the right programmes. I had a meeting with a sports psychologist recently and he was talking to me about deserving stuff in sport. You get what you deserve. If you are getting to finals, it’s because you deserve to get to finals. If you don’t do the work in the background, you won’t get that opportunity. It’s all about the work you are looking to put in behind the lights when people aren’t looking at you and when people don’t see you. That’s where all the hard work has to go in. That will determine how successful you are going to be. Try and stay away from the temptations if you can. You can have the craic but there is a time and a place for it. You must have a focus and be willing to

give the commitment. You will be as successful as you want to be and that’s something I learned at a young age and something I really took on.” Despite missing out on both Munster trophies with Cratloe, Collins didn’t fall back on the excuse of tiredness. “We came up against a very strong Nire side and a very strong Kilmallock side. If we played either side and we were fresh after a month, I still think you would have the same result and a tight game. I wouldn’t put it down to fatigue.” Collins spoke about the drive within the club to win both Clare titles. “We met at the start of the year and we said that anything bar winning the double would be a failure. We set our targets. It was a disappointing end to the year but all in all, it was a great year.” He also reflected on juggling Inter-County hurling and

football in 2014 and choosing to play the latter next season. “I love both the same. I always said that if someone did make me choose between the two, I would go the other way. I was talking to Davy and he knew by the end of the phone call that I would pick the football.” When asked about opposition players that grabbed his attention, Collins singled out Conor Gleeson and Jamie Barron. He acknowledged their achievements at minor and senior level this year and suggested that the clubs may meet again in the near future. Other speakers on the night included Fourmilewater Chairman Paddy Joe Ryan, The Nire Chairman Tom Guiry and Underage Chairman Mike Guiry. Manager of both teams Richard Guiry thanked everyone involved with the set-up. He also dedicated their success to the late Fergus Condon.


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Sliabh SliabhgCua/St. gCua/St. Mary's Marys HAPPY CHRISTMAS & NEW YEAR The Sliabh gCua/St. Mary’s Club would like to take this opportunity to wish each and every one of you a very happy Christmas and an even better new year. We would like to thank you for both your match support and financial support that you have shown to us during 2014. Next year, our sights are set on a county championship and we have every chance of attributing this. Happy Christmas to all. Welcome home to anyone who have travelled home or the festive season. LITTLE BOB’S TRACTOR RUN 2015 The 4th annual 'Little Bob's Memorial Tractor Run ‘will be held again in Touraneena Parish, Ballinamult, on New Year’s Day 2015. This event was set up in memory of Robbie Power, who passed away in July 2011, the run has been a great success every year with a huge turnout of tractors and onlookers, this goes to show how popular and well liked Robbie was among his family and friends. Gathering at Touraneena Community Centre at 12 noon and leaving at 1 pm, the route this year will go through Ballinamult, Newcaslte and back to Touraneena Village via Knockmeal. This year, we will be holding a mini digger challenge, come along and try your luck! Proceeds will be donated to Dungarvan Community Hospital -Wheelchair Accessible Bus Fund, Sliabh gCua/St Mary’s GAA & Naomh Bríd Juvenile Club. Food and refreshments will be served in the centre after the run. We hope to see you all in Touraneena Community Centre on New Year’s Day. NATIONAL GAA DRAW Following the success of the first ever GAA National Club Draw last year, the GAA are happy to announce that it will become an annual event. Ticket are €10. Contact any committee member (J. P. 086 1909980/Mush 087 9634993) for your tickets. MONSTER AUCTION The Sliabh gCua would like to sincerely thank everyone who donated their items to our Auction on Sunday. The whole event was an outstanding success. Our overwhelming gratitude goes to those who donated their services, trades and time to the fundraiser. Offering their services on the day were Mike Gleeson Excavations, Aiden Fitzpatrick Painter and Decorating, Colin Gleeson Welding Services, Pat Keane Painting and Decorating, Imokilly Oil, Jimmy Coffey Plant Hire, Thomas Quinlan Painter and Decorator, J. P. Ryan’s Mobile Training (Cpc’s), Sean Foley Car Valeting, Donnchadh Dunne Electrical Services, Sean Power Fuels, J. P. Fitzpatrick Computer Training, Denis Coffey and John Queally Carpentry Services, J. J. Coffey Plant Hire. Apologies to anyone that has been left out, there was so many of you, but we have honestly appreciated all your help and generosity.

Also, a huge thank to Pat Hearn who donated a massive trailer of timber along with Paddy Joe Ryan for his healthy hamper and Early Bird Free Range Eggs (Trevor and Sandra Power) for their voucher. Last but by no means least, we want to thank everyone who supported us on the day. The day and event could not prevail without your bids and generosity. We thoroughly appreciate your support. BRENDAN FULFILLS HIS 5 YEAR TERM We want to congratulate Brendan Tobin on fulfilling his 5 year term as Vice Chairman of the Western Board. Brendan’s dedication towards the GAA knows no ends and the club are extremely proud of his credentials. After being elected as Waterford delegate to the Munster Council during the year, Brendan’s GAA career is rising fast. Well done on your super work on your Western Board term Brendan and best of luck in your future roles. PREDICTION QUIZ 2015 LAUNCHED Our sports prediction quiz for 2015 was launched by club chairman Mike Murray during last Sundays Monster Auction. Entries can be now bought from any committee member or by contacting Mush Keane on 087 9634993 or J. P. Fitzpatrick 086 1909980. Entries are €20 and a €1000 winner’s jackpot is up for grabs!! Questions include sporting events including GAA, soccer, tour de france, rugby, golf, formula 1 and many more. JACK KENNEDY RECEIVES HIS 2014 TITLE PRIZE Congratulations to Ballyduff Lower’s former Waterford senior hurler Jack Kennedy, who for the second year running has claimed top spot of our prediction quiz, Jack collected his €800 cheque on Sunday evening and we wish him the very best of luck with his good fortune. SLIABH gCUA/ST. MARY’S GAA CLUB AGM THIS SUNDAY The club would like to invite you all to the Kirwan Park kitchen on Sunday next, 21st December for our Annual General Meeting. Due to the 5 year term rule, Chairman Mike Murray and Treasurer Sinead Condon will have to unfortunately step away from their roles which they have executed with precision since 2010. These positions along with others will have to be filled so we would appreciate your input towards the club. The meeting will commence at 5:30 sharp. BIRTHDAY CELEBRATIONS The ‘Comeragh Warriors’ side of the parish had many birthday celebrations recently. Best wishes are extended to John Walsh,

GAA CLUB NOTES Croughateskin; Tomas O’Mara, Knockboy and Mike Gleeson, Knockboy who all celebrated birthday. Also celebrating his birthday was Brendan Tobin and also club stalwart James Condon. Happy birthday folks. NAOMH BRID QUIZ NIGHT Naomh Brid will hold their Annual Fundraising Quiz in Deckies Bar Modeligo, on Monday, December 29th, starting at 8.30 p.m. Tables of four €20. Please come and support. DIV. 2 WESTERN MINOR HURLING CHAMPS Huge congratulations to Naomh Brid/St. Pat’s minor hurlers who secured the Western hurling title on Sunday with a convincing 6-16 to 4-10 win over St. Oliver’s. This team put in enormous efforts during the year and eventually got their just rewards. Well done lads. “EVERY SECOND COUNTS” WINTER LEAGUE Everyone is welcome along to Kirwan Park on Monday evenings at 7 pm to join in the Touraneena Runners Winter League. The success of the league to date is unbelievable and undoubtedly this will continue. Whether you want to participate in the league, run or walk, you are more than welcome each night. €2 donation applies. GAA AWARDS WINNERS Well done to everyone who collected awards last Friday evening in Lawlor’s Hotel, notably Nire’s Conor Gleeson and Brian Wall, Ballygunner’s Stephen O’Keeffe, Dungarvan’s Patrick Curran along with the Cappoquin, Ballysaggart and Modeligo clubs. Congrats also to Colligan’s Anthony Walsh on his deserved award.

NaomhChartaigh Carthaigh Juveniles Naomh Juveniles (LISMORE/ BALLYSAGGART JUVENILE GAA NOTES) CHRISTMAS SOCIAL EVENING 2014 Word has it that the Naomh Chartaigh Juvenile GAA Club are holding their annual Social night out this coming Saturday, Dec. 20th at around 9.30 p.m. until the early hours of Sunday, 21st, in Eamonn’s Place better known as Koochies. Our eagerly awaited raffle will be held on this night as well with some fantastic prizes to be had. From 1st prize of Christmas Hamper. 2nd a €100 voucher for Dunnes stores. 3rd Christmas cake. 4th Glanbia voucher. 5th Roches Tyres voucher. 6th Phyls Unisex Hairdresser voucher and lots more prizes on the night. I hear you ask how can I win one of these prizes, it’s as easy as this buy a ticket. €2 each or three for €5. Tickets can be purchased in the local shops, from families attending the primary school or any committee member. As well as these outlets by kind permission from Laura and Willie Roche some of the committee members will be outside Centra to sell tickets to our loyal supporters on Friday 19th. Our Club would like to invite everyone to this Social Evening, from parents and family members to the Senior Club members, to our sponsors and their families that have been great to us over the year, and of course our past and present committee members. We would be delighted to see a lot of familiar faces on the night. So for some craic agus ceol, Koochies is the place to be on Saturday next, 20th. Finger food served also on the night. SYMPATHY The Club would like to offer its sympathy to Dom and the O'Connell family on the sad passing of their father Felix during the past week. CHRISTMAS GREETINGS Naomh Chartaigh Juvenile Club would like to send Christmas greetings to all their members and families, at home and away, and to all in the parish and surrounding areas and here's to a fantastic and sucessfull sporting year ahead in 2015. CLUB SHOP For that last bit of shopping make it easy on youself, visit our Club shop or take a look on Lismore GAA.ie to see what's on offer THANKS Sincere thanks to the Editors and staff of the local papers who have been so helpful to our Club over the past year in relation to publishing our notes. Wishing them and their families a very Happy Christmas and New Year 2015.

Clonea Clonea JUVENILE BLOTTO Our Christmas Blotto draw will be held this Sunday, December 21st in Clancy’s Bar with music by Taylors Twist from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. Jackpot is now €5,000 and there will many other spot prizes so please come along and support us. AWARDS PRESENTATION Our Awards Presentation will be held on Sunday, 4th January, 2015 in the Carraig Hotel from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. Plenty awards and medals to give out and the Camogie Club will also join in the occasion. INDOOR HURLING Indoor Hurling continues every Friday in the Hiking Centre, Rathgormack at the following times:Born in 2009 and 2008 – 7 pm to 8 pm

Dungarvan Observer | Friday, 19 December, 2014

Ballymacarbry who beat Scoil Garbhain in the Roinn A Final of the Western Allianz Cumann na mBunscol boys football competition. [Sean Byrne//Deise Sport] Born in 2007 and 2006 - 8 pm to 9 pm. Cost is €3 per session. Bring a helmet and a drink. Indoor hurleys will be provided at each session. Any queries contact Kevin on 086-2215401.

Fourmilewater 45 CARD DRIVE 1st Mary Ryan and Maurice Prendergast; 2nd June Cooney and Eddie Cooney. Lucky tables x 2: Walter Wall and Gerry O’Grady; Tom Kearney and Donald Fraher. MINI LOTTO RESULTS No jackpot winner. Numbers drawn were: 3, 22, 30. Next week’s jackpot €1,650. Match 2 number winners: Evelyn Biaz, c/o Tyler; Alice Ryan, c/o Doocey’s. Congratulations to the Wall family on their great achievements. This weekend Brian Wall was announced as senior footballer in Waterford for 2014. Well deserved and 24 hours later his father Jim was honoured with the prestigious Munster Hall of Fame Award. Also, well done to Conor Gleeson on being named Young Footballer of the Year for 2014.

Naomh Brid Brid Naomh FUNDRAISING WALKS The club would like to thank everybody that supported our fundraising walks over the last six weeks. It was a very worthwhile exercise for all – over €300 was collected in Touraneena alone. MINOR HURLING Well done to our minor hurlers who won Division 2 Western final on Sunday morning. They beat St. Olivers on a scoreline of 6-16 to 4-10. MUNSTER FINAL Congratulations to Modeligo on winning the Junior Hurling Munster Final last week. A very impressive display of hurling gave them a comfortable win over Castlemartyr. Roll on the AllIreland. MAN OF THE MATCH AWARDS Congrats also to Cian O’Byrne who was a recipient of man of match awards for both under 16 hurling and football Div. 2 County finals. This was recognised recently at the County Bord na nOg Awards night. Well done Cian.

Dungarvan UNDERAGE HURLER OF THE YEAR Congratulations to our club player Patrick Curran who was named as Underage Hurler of the year in the County for 2014 in Lawlors Hotel last Friday night. Patrick’s team mate Darragh Lyons was also a very worthy nominee and we look forward to seeing both these fine young hurlers in action for the club for many years to come. Patrick’s award completes a family double of sorts as his dad Pat, playing with Affane, was selected underage footballer of the year back in 1978. ST. STEPHEN’S DAY WALK AND RUN Our Annual fundraiser in association with West Waterford Athletic Club will take place, as usual, on St. Stephen’s Day at 11 a.m. This year’s benefactor is the Bus fundraiser for the local hospital, which will give the residents there an opportunity to get out and about for a while, that otherwise might not be available to them. Refreshments will be served in the clubhouse afterwards and we would ask our members to support this worthy local initiative. Our thanks to West Waterford Athletic Club for their continued involvement in this event. STAND COMPLETED Our new stand in the middle field was completed last week and the club extends its sincere thanks to all the workers who put it in place for us. Our thanks to club member Jimmy Healy who

co ordinated the work for us and to everybody who made this addition to our club grounds possible by purchasing a seat for themselves or a loved one. IN THE CLUBHOUSE Team manager Pat Kiely has organised the medal presentation and yearly awards for his successful under 14 team in the clubhouse this Thursday night. All the parents are invited to attend and the evening gets underway at 7.30 p.m. CHRISTMAS RAFFLE This is proving to be a successful fundraiser for the club and our thanks to everybody who has supported it and who are selling tickets for us. Thanks to the Dungarvan Shopping Centre for facilitating the raffle last Saturday and the draw will now go head this Sunday night in Paddy Foleys. Draw Co-ordinator Paddy Fitzgerald reminds us that all tickets sold and unsold are to be returned to him by this Friday night. SYMPATHY The whole town were saddened to hear of the death of young Fiachra McMahon in Wexford last week. The club extends its sincere sympathy to his parents Paudie and Elaine and to his grandparents here in Dungarvan, Martin and Helen O’Sullivan, St. Bridgets Terrace at this very sad time for them. CLUB LOTTO Last Monday night’s numbers drawn were 7, 10, 14 and 29. There was no winner and next Monday night’s lotto will be worth £6,200. The winner of the £100 was Pad Joe Queally, St. Bridget’s Well. Thanks for your continued support and we ask all our members to support this weekly draw which has the potential to be a huge fundraiser for us. CHRISTMAS GREETINGS The club extends the season’s greetings to all our members for a happy and a holy Christmas at this time of the year.

Modeligo MODELIGO GAA CLUB TO LAUNCH THEIR HIGHLIGHTS DVD This coming Friday Night, December 19th at 8.30 p.m., Modeligo GAA Club will officially launch their Highlights DVD which captures all of the key moments on their journey to becoming Western, County and Munster Junior Hurling Champions. The DVD also includes pre and post Munster Final commentary from key club personnel and players who share their thoughts on the greatest year in the history of the club as well as footage of the Modeligo National School Children singing our Club Theme song “The Best Team Ever”. A must have item for any Christmas Stocking!! Copies of the DVD will be on sale on the night at a cost of €20, and will also be available to order through the club from Friday night onwards. Other events will include the auction of a Framed Club Jersey and Souvenir Hurley Autographed by all the Modeligo Junior Hurling Squad and Management as well as numerous Spot Prizes and Hampers to be raffled. There will also be an interview with our team manager, Pa Kearney. Music on the night will be by Sean and Eileen and finger food will also be served. ANNUAL WATERFORD COUNTY BOARD GAA AWARDS 2014 Modeligo GAA Club were the recipients of a Special Achievement Award at the Annual County Awards night held on Friday last, in recognition of the outstanding success we have enjoyed throughout the playing year in 2014. NEXT STOP.... ALL-IRELAND QUARTERFINAL, BIRMINGHAM After the Munster Final win, the lads have now progressed on to an All-Ireland Quarter-Final clash. For this, we must travel across the water to Páirc na hÉireann, Birmingham, England, to play Fullen Gaels on the weekend of January 10th/11th.

The lads will travel out from Dublin airport on Friday night, January 9th, with the game itself throwing-in at 1.30 p.m. on Saturday afternoon. The lads will return into Dublin airport later on Saturday night. All this means that while most will be sitting back relaxing over the Christmas period, Pa Kearney, Shane, Kenny, John and all of the lads on the panel will still be hard at work, fitting in training sessions whever they can over the holiday season in preparation for this game and for the challenge that lies ahead. But still, I bet if you ask any of the lads, they'll tell you it’s a nice problem to have all the same! THANK YOU Over the past few weeks, the club have received very generous sponsorship from several people as we prepared for Sunday’s game. While it would not be possible to list everyone here, to all of those who made these donations, on behalf of the club, we wish to thank you all once again for your generousity and continued support. There are several people who helped out with various things which needed to be done and organised in recent weeks, most of which may have gone unnoticed, such as our club officers, committee, and our hard working finance committee. Also, we should mention our appreciation for the local clubs who sent their congratulations and good wishes by letters, cards and on social media, but in particular, those who gave us the use of their facilities leading up to the Munster campaign, namely Ballyduff Upper, Brickey Rangers and Dungarvan (where Tony Ryan is always available to make sure things are in order - fair play to you Tony!) Again, we thank you all very much. CAPPOQUIN CIVIC LINK All in Modeligo GAA would like to mention our appreciation for the Cappoquin Civic Link Group who sent their congratulations and good wishes following our Munster Final win, but also then honoured us with an invitation to participate in the switching on of the Christmas lights in Cappoquin on Friday night last alongside their own title winners, the Cappoquin Intermediate Munster Champions. WESTERN MINOR HURLING DIVISION 2 FINAL Naomh Brid 6-16; Naomh Oilibhear 4-10 Naomh Bríd's Minor hurlers brought the curtain down on the clubs playing year on Sunday morning last when they faced St. Oliver’s on the new pitch at Abbeyside's GAA Grounds. Having lost out in both the football and hurling County Finals during the year, the lads finished what has been a long, tough year on a winning note by putting in a sterling performance in the first half racking up a 13 point lead by half time, with a hat-trick of goals by Stephen Coffey and another by Jack Skehan. St. Oliver’s came back into the game in the second half and set about reducing the margin with two goals late in the game, but further goals by Mike Kearns and Jack Skehan sealed the win in a well contested, sporting contest. After the game, Western Board Chairman presented Naomh Bríd captain Rian Reddy with the trophy on behalf of the team. Well done to all the lads on the fantastic effort they have put in this year, a long season which began back at the first week in February and ended on Sunday last, December 14th. NAOMH BRÍD ANNUAL TABLE QUIZ Monday, December 29th, will see our juvenile clubs Annual Fundraising Table Quiz take place in Deckie’s Bar, Modeligo at 8.30 p.m. sharp. The event will see tables of four, priced at €20 participate in rounds of general knowledge questions with a good test of brain power, and a fair bit of craic thrown into the mix for good measure! By the 29th, we'll probably be sick of looking at the leftover turkey anyway, so please get out of the house and make your way down to Deckie’s with three more friends and take part in what is always a great night, while supporting your local Juvenile GAA Club at the same time.


Dungarvan Observer | Friday, 19 December, 2014

Stradbally OPERATION TRANSFORMATION The Operation Transformation leaders were introduced to the public last Sunday evening in the Social Centre. They are, Kiko Casey, Laura Balfe, Stuart Fee, Seamus Reilly, Helen Carey, Val Grant, Tanya Gorey, Tom Daly. The beneficiaries from this are, Stradbally Field Development, Seafield National School, Our Lady of Mercy National School, St. James National School, The Parish of Stradbally, Kilmacthomas Primary School Development Fund. This is a social and fun event and is open to everybody in and outside the parish. It will also be an opportunity for those people trying to give up the cigarettes, Kate Cassidy from the HSE will help those people who want to kick the habit. Benji Whelan from Achieve Ireland will be on hand to help with exercise and fitness. Michaela Dee our Nutrition Expert will talk about food and diet. Thanks to Brendan Breen who acted as MC for the night, and also a big thanks to Liam Brazil who gave an excellent talk about Mental Health. Sunday, 4th January will be free registration day, so come along and take part. NATIONAL DRAW Tickets are now available for the GAA national Draw. All monies raised with this draw stays within the club as the prizes are being given by the GAA. These are much needed funds. DEISE DRAW The final draw for this year takes place this month, all money to be in to Breda Kiely. We would like to thank everyone who joined this year and we hope you will join again next year.

Colligan Emmetts CLUB LOTTO IS WON! Ann Dalton from Aglish was the winner of the ‘Black & Amber’ Club Lotto held in Quills Master McGrath Bar on Monday, 08/12/2014. Ann won the Jackpot of €15,000 as she had the winning numbers which consisted of 7, 13, 19 and 26. Many congratulations Ann, a nice early Christmas present! ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING A reminder that the 2014 AGM will be held in the club dressing rooms on Sunday, December 28th at 2:00 pm, please keep this date in your diary and we’re appealing for anyone with an interest in the club to please attend the meeting. MINOR HURLING Naomh Brid Minor hurlers (assisted by St. Pats) ended the 2014 playing season by winning the Western “B” Final against St. Oliver’s in Abbeyside last Sunday morning, December 14th. The lads played a nice brand of hurling in windy conditions and in the end ran out comfortable winners in a high scoring contest (6-16 to 4-10), having lost two County Finals earlier in the year it was great to end the year with some silverware. CONGRATULATIONS Many congratulations to clubman Anthony Walsh who was honoured with a special achievement award for being elected as Munster Council treasurer at the County Board awards banquet which was held in Lawlor’s Hotel on Friday evening last, December 12th. THANKS I would like to take this opportunity to thank both local newspapers (The Observer and The Leader) for their inclusion of our weekly notes throughout the year, and for all their help and support throughout the year, it’s very much appreciated and I wish you all the best for the coming year. SEASON’S GREETINGS And finally, as 2014 draws to a close, I’d like to thank everyone who supported the club during the year, whilst we didn’t have any success we reached three finals and hopefully next year might be our year. Here’s wishing all in our community a very happy Christmas and a peaceful New Year, enjoy the festivities and all the very best for 2015!

An AnGhaeltacht Gaeltacht IOMÁINT FÉ 21 Bhí bua iontach ag An Ghaeltacht i gcluiche ceannais an chontae sa roinn B ar an Domhnach, 14ú Nodhlaig ag 2 pm in aghaidh Chumainn Mhícheál Mac Craith ón Trá Mhór. Ba i bPáirc Uí Fhearachair a imríodh an cluiche seo agus ba é an scór deiridh: An Ghaeltacht 3-12; Trá Mhór 0-7. Bhí buanna ag an bhfoireann ar Bhaile Uí Dhuibh Thiar, Cois Bhríde & Caisleán Cuanach roimhe sin agus de réir ár gcuid eolais, is é seo an chéad craobh contae a bhuaigh An Ghaeltacht sa ghrád iomána seo ó 1989. Ba iad seo an grúpa imreoirí céanna a bhuaigh an craobh peile mionúir roinn 1 sa bhliain 2011 agus ba thabhachtach do imreoirí na Rinne agus an tSean Phobail aitheantas a bhaint amach dá gcuid scileanna iomána agus a gcur chuige díograiseach. Thug an captaen Dónal Breathnach óráid ana-bhreá uaidh agus é ag glacadh le corn an chontae agus ghaibh sé buíochas mór le gach

éinne a chabhraigh, ach go háirithe le Pádraig Ó Murchadha & Dave Ó Riagáin, a bhí leo ón tús i mbliana. Beidh tuairisc iomlán agus griangrafanna ar an suíomh idirlín - www.anghaeltacht.ie SRAITH REATHA & SIÚLÓIDE 5KM Shroiseamar ceann scríbe leis seo ar an Domhnach 14ú Nodhlaig agus bhí slua breá ag Sólás na Mara do bhronnadh na nduaiseanna ina dhiaidh. Ba é Billy Ó Síothcháin an t-é a bhuaigh an duais mór, lena bhean chéile Eimear Uí Shíothcháin sa dara áit, éacht don clann spórtúil seo. Ba í an t-ógánach Mairead Bean Uí Lonáin a bhain an triú áit amach agus bhí béic ard di ón slua. Ba é Risteárd Ó hArtaigh a bhain aitheantas don t-am is tapúla don 5km ón sraith iomlán agus b'é a shrois an líne ar dtús ar an lá. Ar ndóigh, bhí cúis maith ann don obair seo ar fad, seachas an caitheamh aimsire sláintiúil don bpobal. Bhailíodh go leor airgead chun 2 sheit geansaithe imeartha faoi aois a cheannach do na imreoirí fé 8 & 9 agus don bhfoireann fé 12. Táimid thar a bheith buíoch do na urraitheoirí agus gnóthaí a thug tacaíocht don sraith, ach go háirithe le Sólás na Mara, P & H Bouncy Castles agus Tigh Mhuirithe i Heilbhic. Tá an club thar a bheith buíoch chomh maith do Dave Ó Riagáin, Dearán Ó Droma, Éimhín & Daithí Ó Tuathaigh, Sar'anne & Mark Ó Ruairc agus gach éinne eile a chabhraigh leis an gníomh iontach seo. Beidh tuairisc iomlán ar an sraith & griangrafanna ar www.anghaeltacht.ie BRONNADH NA mBONN I SCOIL NÁISIÚNTA BHAILE MHIC AIRT Is é laoch peile Chiarraí Dara Ó Cinnéide a bheidh mar aoí speisialta do seo sa Sean Phobal agus beidh 6 chorn i láthair ar an lá. 3 chorn scoile, corn peile an iarthair agus 2 chorn iomána fé 21. Ba éacht é an méad a bhain An Sean Phobal amach i gcluichí CLG i 2014 agus cuímhneofar go deo air!! Tuairsc le teacht ar www.anghaeltacht.ie Gach eolas faoin club ar www.anghaeltacht.ie ar Twitter @anghaeltachtclg agus ar ríomhphost: runaibng.anghaeltacht.portlairge@gaa.ie

Ballyduff Upper MEDAL PRESENTATION Last Saturday the Junior hurlers received their Western championship medals in An Sibin. John Jackson acted as MC for the occasion. Thanks to all who organised the event, especially to An Sibin for the use of their facilities. AGM The club AGM has been scheduled for Friday, January 9th. Club members will receive a nominations form in the post prior to the meeting. LOTTO The numbers drawn in last week’s lotto were 7, 15, 18, 20. There was no jackpot winner. €30 winners were: Martin Feeney, Maura O'Keeffe, Liz O'Hara, Mike Scanlon.

Kilgobinet VICTORY SOCIAL We will hold our victory social in The Park Hotel on Saturday, January 10th. Music will be by The Bottle Brothers. Tickets are available from any committee member. CHRISTMAS GREETINGS The club would like to wish all its players, members and supporters a happy and peaceful Christmas and health and happiness in 2015. SYMPATHY The Kilgobinet club offers its sincerest sympathy to Caroline Knightley and family on the death of Caroline’s father Mr. Tom Burke. Rest in peace.

Kilmacthomas UNDER 15 HURLING SEMI-FINAL This semi-final took place under the bright lights in our backyard Kilmacthomas pitch between Portlaw and Kilmacthomas/Ballyduff Lower. On a very wet, windy evening but the boys on both teams did not worry about the weather as the game took off. Referee Alan Kissane let this game flow the way it should be played, not much stoppages. Kilmacthomas/Ballyduff Lower it is great that the double club got into the Eastern final in the second half. Kilmacthomas/Ballyduff Lower took this game by the scruff of the neck and ran out easy winners in th end. So, that set them up for an Eastern final in Walsh Park. Well done lads, also to your trainers and selectors. Best of luck in the final. The lads were playing very well in all parts of the field. I must say the lads since they joined up to play together they gelled really well, like a happy family around the Christmas dinner. Back to the game they had so many stars on the night. It was a real team effort from 1 to 15. It is great for the double club to get into an Eastern final, it is a pity that game like the under 15 and all underage finals are not played before some big games to further the game. In the second half, Kilmacthomas took this game by the scruff of the neck and ran out easy winners and that set them up for the Eastern final two days later. Also well done to the trainers and selectors.

GAA CLUB NOTES

13

The Dungarvan Ladies Football Under 14 team, pictured with special guest Fiona Rockford and Hannah Elmer (Manager) after they received their medals at a function in the Dungarvan GAA Club's Clubhouse. [Dan McGrath/Editorial Images]

UNDER 15 HURLING EASTERN FINAL No rest for the boys. They are on a winning streak. On Saturday morning, the final took place in Walsh Park between St. Mollerans and Ballyduff Lower/Kilmacthomas. As the game started the lads conceded a few goals in the first ten minutes. Our boys were like men with some unfinished business. Our lads showed commitment, courage and the will to win easy 50/50 ball in the second half. The final score was Ballyduff Lower/Kilmacthomas 2-13; St. Mollerans 3-2. AGM The AGM will not take place until the New Year, early January. HAPPY CHRISTMAS The club would like to wish everybody a really happy Christmas to everyone who helped to keep this club running in the right direction; to the underage club in looking after the further of this club. THANK YOU Gulie and Tony Joy would like to thank everyone that turned up for Johnny’s third anniversary Mass in their own home last Wednesday night. They came from far and near, nearly all of Johnny’s club members were there to show the respect they had for the gentle giant Johnny.

Melleray Glen Rovers COUNTY CONVENTIONS The County Convention will take place in Lawlors Hotel, Dungarvan, on Thursday night, 18th December. Melleray Glen Rovers GAA A.G.M. will take place in Melleray Community Hall on Saturday, 27th December at 8.00 p.m. Any nominations for committee positions/motions to be with Club Secretary Sharon Power on or before 17th December. (086-4039270) or email: sharonpower02@gmail.com NATIONAL DRAW TICKETS It’s that time of year again when all clubs will be promoting the National Draw Club Tickets, an incentive which will see all monies raised by sale of tickets going directly back into the respective clubs, all round win/win situation for the club, that will no doubt bring in much needed funding on a continuing basis and ensure the consistent promotion of the GAA at club level. Ticket price is €10. The National Draw will take place on Friday, 27th February, 2015. Winners will be announced on the Official GAA website. Full details available on www.gaa.ie/nationalclubdraw2015. Melleray Community Social will take place on Saturday, 21st February, in Ballyrafter House Hotel. Dinner and dancing to Mike Humphries & Co. on the night. Tickets €25, tickets will be available to purchase in early January, more detail to follow in the New Year. Christmas Carol Singing will take place in The Cats Bar Car Park on Tuesday evening, 23rd December, at 7.30 p.m. All welcome on the night to call by and join in, Christmas Carol sheets will be supplied on the night for the sing along, Hot Chocolate will be available to keep us warm. As these are the last club notes of 2014, Melleray Glenrovers G.A.A. would like to wish all its members, players, mentors, club officials, sponsors, supporters and their families and those in the surrounding area a very Happy Christmas and Best wishes for a healthy and prosperous 2015. We can look forward to a potentially successful year for Melleray Glenrovers in 2015 and hopefully will have cause for celebration throughout the season.

Ballymacarbry Ladies VICTORY SOCIAL The Nire G.F.C and Ballymacarbry L.G.F.C. will hold a victory social on Saturday, 17th January, 2015, in The Park Hotel, Dungarvan. Tickets are €25 and will be available from Michelle Ryan (087-9424860), Mairead Wall (087-7703836), David Nugent (086-3925829) and Dolores Guiry (087-0570700). Order your ticket now to avoid disappointment!!!

CHRISTMAS PARTY The year concluded on a high with a Christmas Party in the hall on Sunday, 14th in Ballymacarbry Community Centre. The evening was packed with dancing, music, food and even a visit from Santa Claus himself!! Thanks to anybody who contributed to make it such an enjoyable evening. The Club would like to wish all past and present members a very Happy Christmas and Peaceful New Year. CLUB CALENDAR The club has produced a beautiful club calendar for 2015. In the calendar we have included as many pictures as we could from U-8 right through to senior. They would make a lovely Christmas present priced at €10. To order please contact Mairead Wall on 087 7703836!!

St.Olivers INDOOR Our indoor season will have its last date this Friday and then we will be on a break until the 9th January MINOR Our Minors finished a very long year last Sunday morning. They played a very fancied Naomh Brid team and despite scoring a credible 4-10, they still lost out on the day. That brings the curtain down on a few guys playing at minor and a big thanks to Micheal Phelan and Mike Shine for the stewardship all year. AGM We held our AGM last Thursday and it was a very constructive meeting. The main three stayed the same with Declan Sheridan as Treasurer; Conor Mulhall as Secretary and Matthew Fogarty as Chairman. We ratified some new managers and overall the AGM went off very well. Anyone looking for minutes please contact secretary.stolivers.waterford@gaa.ie Happy Christmas and here is to a great 2015 for the Club - Naomh Oilibheir Abu.

An Phobail AntSean tSean Phobail

SHOCKS LOTTO 7th December. Numbers drawn: 3, 10, 17, 20. No winner. €15 each to: Ken Pallister; Francie Murphy; Helen Power; Ann, Padraig, Corey and Ryan; Peggy Kiely. Shocks Lotto 14th December. Numbers drawn: 16, 17, 19, 26. No winner. €15 each to: Fiona c/o Caroline King; Pat Whelan; Bridget Coffey; Johnny Barry; Maud Wade.

Abbeyside/Ballinacourty Abbeyside/Ballinacourty JACK THE JOKER Our ever popular Jack the Joker fundraiser continues this Sunday night in Alice O’Connor’s Bar where the jackpot is €3,000. On Sunday night last The Morning Club was drawn out and chose card number 10 which wasn’t the Joker although they did win €50. Paddy Power Staff and Sheila Riordan won €25 each. As well as our group of ticket sellers tickets can be purchased from Convenience Store Ballinroad, Village Flowers, Spar, Mousies Takeaway, Minnies Bar and Crottys Corner Bar. NATIONAL DRAW Tickets for the GAA National Draw are currently on sale from any member of our club committee and the adult players. Tickets costing €10 each. For anyone who purchases their tickets before Christmas we will be holding an internal raffle on Monday night, December 22nd in Minnies Bar where the usual selection of Christmas Hamper and other prizes will be on offer. Please support this Draw as not only will you be helping us raise funds required to run the club but you will also be entered into not one but two draws for wonderful prizes. CLUB BINGO Our Club Bingo will continue this Sunday night in the CBS Hall where the jackpot is €500. JUVENILE NOTES Nominations: Any nominations for posts as

managers for 2015 at juvenile level must be sent into Juvenile secretary Audrey Hallahan before the Friday, 2nd January, 2015. No late applications will be accepted.

Shamrocks CLUB LOTTO The numbers drawn in last Saturday's lotto draw were 1-2-20-21, and there was no winner. €20 winners were John M. Kelly, Eoin Collendar, Peggy Carrig, Dave & Teresa, Rebecca O'Keeffe. Next week's jackpot will be €20,000, and next week sees our annual Big Big Christmas draw when we will have loads of prizes on offer. ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING The 62nd Annual General Meeting of C.L.G. na Seamroga took place last Friday night in Knockanore and was well attended. Chairman Liam Ahearne welcomed everyone and gave a summary of the year gone by. Secretary Ann O'Keeffe also read her report which was well received. Next to speak was Treasurer Johnny Baldwin who was delivering his 45th treasurer’s report which on its own is nothing short of extraordinary. As usual it was very comprehensive and highlighted how responsible this job has now become in a G.A.A. club and how much money goes through the books in a year. We are very fortunate to have a man of Johnny's ability at the helm. Thankfully, the club is in good health financially, but expenses continue to rise as the cost of training and physio doesn't come cheap. The next item was the election of officers, and with all officers going forward again the line-up remains as: Hon President Fr. Pat Condon, Chairman Liam Ahearne, Vice-Chairman James Tobin, Secretary Ann O'Keeffe, assistant Secretary Padraig Tobin, Treasurer Johnny Baldwin, P.R.O. Frank Roche, Membership officers Dan Casey and Kieran Ahearne, Registrar Mark Baldwin, First Aid Tim Lenehan and Liam Casey, A.S.A.P. and Children's officer Frank Roche. The vice presidents and committee members remain as were.

A special mention was made to Johnny O'Callaghan who is to step down as co-ordinator of the Lotto draw which takes place most Saturday nights. Johnny has been an integral part of the lotto since it began, and we thank him for his great work over all those years. Teams to be entered in the coming year are Intermediate hurling and Junior hurling, and a Junior Football team. This year we have a new management team who will be in charge of both the hurling teams and the football team. Quite a challenge for Liam Dalton, Ollie O'Farrell, and Kieran Ahearne, and a coach to be appointed. Liam has our full support, and best of luck to them for the coming year. We would like to thank Pat Clancy most sincerely for the huge effort he put into the team over the last three years. After some lively discussions the meeting ended and Chairman Liam Ahearne wished everyone a happy and peaceful Christmas and good fortune in the New Year. SYMPATHIES The club would like to offer its sincrest sympathies to the family and friends of Geraldine Walsh (nee Buckley), formerly of Strancally, Knockanore, who passed away recently. Ar dheis Dé go raibh a anam.

Tallow SPONSORED BY MCGRATH'S PHARMACY TALLOW THANKS To the men working on our GAA playing pitch over the last while, Pat McGrath, Will McCarthy and Aidan McCarthy. The fields have never looked better and are in superb condition. AGM The Annual General Meeting of CLG Tulach an Iarainn will take place on Saturday, January 10th 2015 at 8 pm in the clubhouse. CONGRATULATIONS To our football and hurling centre back and full-back Eric Hickey who got engaged to Joanne Kearney. We wish them both every happiness in the future.


14

GAA CLUB NOTES

VICTORY SOCIAL The Nire GFC and Ballymacarbry LGFC will hold a Victory Social on Saturday, 17th January, 2015 in The Park Hotel, Dungarvan. Tickets are €25 and are available from Michelle Ryan (0879424860), Mairead Wall (087-7703836), David Nugent (086-3925829), and Dolores Guiry (0870570700). Order now to avoid disappointment!

JUVENILE NOTES: Merchandise: A limited number of windcheaters are available to purchase at McGraths shop. The sizes available age 10 to 12 upwards. First Aid: A basic first Aid course will take place in the Dungarvan Club Ground on Saturday, 23rd January, 2015. It is recommended that each team manager nominates a designated First Aid person for their team. Please contact Joanie on 087 231002 to book your place. Season’s Greetings: On behalf of the Juvenile club and committee, we would like to take the opportunity to wish all out players, parents, mentors, sponsors and friends a very Happy Christmas and best wishes for 2015. Happy Christmas: We wish a Happy Christmas and peaceful New Year to all our members, neighbours and friends.

Brickey Rangers Rangers Brickey

Tourin

LOTTO Last week's lotto took place in The Tudor House Bar. Numbers drawn were 1- 17- 27- 30. There was one lucky jackpot winner of €5,350. Congratulations to Cormac, Cathal & Clara Curran on scooping the big one. €25 winners were Nell Whelan, Eamon Connors, Peter Ferncombe, Isobel Brennock. Next week’s draw will be held in The Local Bar, where the jackpot will be €1,000. Promoters please note the draw due to take place on 25th Dec. will be held on St. Stephen’s night in The Enterprise Bar at an earlier time of 8.00 p.m. DEISE DEVELOPMENT DRAW The final draw of the 2014 series takes place on Monday, 22nd December. All monies or any outstanding money to be in to draw co-ordinator Mary McGrath on or before 20th December. Please note change of date. CHRISTMAS DRAW The hugely successful Christmas fuel draw will take place again this year with the same attractive prizes as last year. 1st prize a trailer load of hardwood timber. 2nd prize 400 litres of heating oil. 3rd prize 1 tonne of coal, and 4th prize 20 bales of briquettes. Tickets will be €2 each or 3 for €5. Draw will take place on Sunday, 21st December in The Tudor House Bar, time is running out so get your tickets now, available from any committee member. All tickets sold or unsold to be returned to Matt Kiely on or before Sunday. A.G.M. Our Annual General Meeting took place on Saturday, 6th Dec. while turnout on the night was a little disappointing those present contributed to a very constructive debate on a number of matters. The Chairman John Harnedy in his address welcomed all present, he then went on to thank all who worked so hard in all sections of the club. He congratulated players and managers on our hugely successful year in which we won four Western and two county titles and regained our Senior Football status. He wished all teams and managers the best of luck for 2015, and encouraged all to keep up the good work. He also stressed the need for further fundraising in the coming year. Club Secretary Matt Kiely gave a comprehensive report on all activities within the club in the past year, both on and off the pitch. Treasurer Eoghan Drea presented an excellent set of accounts which laid out very clearly the huge costs associated with running the club and meeting our obligations arising from the recent addition of floodlighting. He stressed the need to keep the lotto sales up. Reports were also given on the activities of the juvenile club, the ladies football and camogie, scor, child welfare, and drug and alcohol awareness. The election of officers then took place and are as follows;

TABLE QUIZ Considering there were many other events being held on Saturday night, the Tourin GAA hosted a very successful Table Quiz. Thanks to MC Edward Lynch who guided us through the questions with the winning team of Troy/Pollard/Kerins/Rafferty coming out on top congrats. The Tourin GAA club would like to thank John O'Rourke & staff at The Sportsmans, Cappoquin, the people who came to support the Table Quiz, those who donated spot prizes and all the ticket sellers, organisers that made it a success. LADIES TO THE FORE History has been made in GAA circles recently with Roisin Jordan being elected as Chairperson of the Tyrone County GAA Board. It is the first since the foundation of the GAA that this position is now being occupied by the opposite gender. And closer to home, the Cork County board recently elected Tracy Kennedy (Killeagh) to be Vice Chairperson of the Cork County GAA Board. While there is no doubt there are many great men associated with the GAA, there are also many great women doing trojan work behind the scenes and it is their just reward to be now aknowledged at the top table. On another note belated congratulations to Katie Taylor on another fine achievement - there's no stopping her now. NATIONAL CLUB DRAW 2015 As mentioned last week, tickets for this draw were circulated at the AGM last Saturday week and will cost €10 each. So please make the effort to sell these and return with money. TURKEY TROT Don't forget the turkey trot/toddle (walk/run) will take place on Sunday, 28th December and will commence at Tourin Hall. €5 to enter with a start time of 12.15 p.m. Not only will it help you work off the pudding etc., but it also a social gathering. All monies raised will go towards the Cappoquin St. Vincent de Paul branch and the Cappoquin local heritage group. All very welcome. BIRTHDAY WISHES Congrats to William Leahy who recently celebrated a big birthday - hope you did it in style. William is one of the hardest working and active member of Tourin GAA club. Happy Birthday. WEDDING BELLS LOOM Best wishes to Donal Barry and his bride to be Julie Ann Rafferty as they will be getting married this Friday. Hope you and all your families have a wonderful day. SYMPATHY Sympathy is extended to the Prendergast family and extended family of the late Johnny Prendergast, Poulbouta, Cappoquin and to Dom O'Connell and family, Ballinvella on the passing of Felix O'Connell, Lismore last week. May they rest in peace. BE SAFE BE SEEN I know I rant and rave about things from time to time and here I go again. From a safety point of view, would people please wear some type of reflective clothing when out walking, cycling or other at night. And if you have had a few and plan to walk home (especially as Christmas is here), just pop a little reflective jacket/vest into your coat so at least you can be seen. I would also ask motorists to dip their lights when they become aware that some one is out walking as the glare of full lights can sometimes dazzle the walker! HAPPY CHRISTMAS As these are the last notes of 2014 - I would like to wish everyone at home and abroad a Happy Christmas and hopefully a bright new 2015. I would like also to thank the local newspapers and the local radio stations for always being accommodating when events are happening at the club. And to you out there who contact me to let me know about an event or something you would like mentioned - thank you.

Ballinameela AGM The club will hold its AGM Saturday, 27th December in the Community Centre at 8.00 p.m.

Nire

Life President - Mairead McGrath; Joint Vice Presidents - Patsy Donnelly, Pat Foley, J. J. Sheehan; Patron - Fr. M. J. Ryan; Chairman - John Harnedy; Secretary - Matt Kiely; Assistant Secretary - Olan Casey; Treasurer - Eoghan Drea; P.R.O. - Joe Grant; Membership Officers - Kay McGrath, Angela Whelan; Deise Draw Co-ordinator - Mary McGrath; Development Officer - Brian Hilliard; Child Welfare Officer - Angela Whelan; Drug & Alcohol Awareness Officer - John Hanlon; Committee - All of the above plus Matthew McCarthy, Jacinta Gee, Eddie O'Grady, Gerry Tobin, Cian O'Halloran, Johnny Cooney.

All team managers will automatically be co-opted to the executive. The election of team managers then took place; Senior & Junior Football - Dermot O'Neill. U-21 & Minor Football - Olan Casey. Positive progess is underway at present in the appointment of Hurling Managers for the 2015 season, all players will be notified of the selections as soon as they are ratified. CONGRATULATIONS Congratulations to Mairead McGrath on receiving The Jack Furlong Award over the weekend and also to Conor Phelan who was a nominee at the Footballer of the Year awards. Congrats are also extended to Kate McGrath who captained Ard Scoil na Déise on winning the U-161⁄2 Munster Camogie Title at Bushy Park on Saturday last. HAPPY CHRISTMAS We wish a Happy Christmas and peaceful New Year to all our members, neighbours and friends.

Kilrossanty CLOTTO SPONSORED BY KILL AGRICULTURAL LTD. CLOTTO RESULTS We had one outright winner of the Clotto Jackpot of €15,500 held in Crotty’s Inn, Leamybrien on Sunday night 15/12/14 the lucky winner was Kristy and Katie Lennon, Leamybrien

the numbers were: 1, 11, 12, 24. Congratulations girls. €30 won by the following people Billy Hassett and Pat Kirwan c/o Crotty’s; Marion Lawlor c/o Walsh’s Garage. Sellers prize of €30 Michelle Cunningham c/o Crotty’s. Next week’s jackpot is €3,200 and will be held in Miclin’s Bar, Kilrossanty, on Sunday night 21/12/14 on duty on the night Liam Brazil and Pierce Whyte. AGM Kilrossanty GAA held our AGM Friday, 14th December, 2014 and the following positions were appointed or reinstated: Jimineen Power, VicePresident; Honorary presidents: Fr. John Delaney, and Sean Baldwin, Dinny O’Brien, Michael Prendergast, Tom Walsh; Chairman: Kevin Lonergan; Treasurer: Liam Brazil; Secretary: Jason Dee; Membership: Darren Mulhearne; Field officers: Jimineen Power, Jason Dee, Sean Veale. There was no Senior Football Manger elected and it was decided that a committee would be put in place to select a manger. The club would like to thank John Kiely and his selectors Pierce Whyte, Jay Kirwan, Nicky Hayes and Willie Cusack, Nicky Power Fitness Trainer, for their hard work and effort put in during the last four years; Junior Football: Noel P. Walsh was elected as manager of The Junior Footballers and we wish Noel the best of look in his new position and Noel will select his team of selectors we would like to thank Jim Maher for his hard work and commitment. CHRISMAS DRAW 2014 This year’s Christmas Draw will take place in Crotty’s Inn, Leamybrien, on Monday, 22nd December. Prizes include First Prize of €250. Second overnight stay for 2 in City West Hotel Dublin. Third €50. Fourth turkey sponsored by Englishtown Farm. Fifth ham. Sixth leg of lamb sponsored by Comeragh Mountain Lamb. Seventh Christmas cake. Eight bottle of whiskey. Ninth bottle of vodka. Tenth bottle of wine. Eleventh box of chocolates. Twelfth box of chocolates, Tickets can be purchased from Veale’s Leamybrien, Walsh’s Day To Day, Crotty’s Inn and Micilín’s Bar. DÉISE DRAW The final Déise Draw will take place on next Monday evening, the 22nd. All outstanding monies to be into Mairead, Jason or Kevin. A big thank you to all who bought and sold tickets. GOLF SOCIETY The GAA Christmas golfing outing will take place at Dungarvan Golf Club on Monday 29th. All players are asked to be at the golf club by 10.30 a.m. RECYCLED CLOTHES We are still collecting old clothes, shoes, curtains, sheets etc. So if you are doing a clear out please bring them to the GAA club and put them in the recycling bin. SEAT FOR LIFE’ IN THE NEW STAND The Club hopes to shortly complete the design and printing works for the new banner which will display all the names of the individuals and families who have contributed towards the “seat for life” fundraiser for the new stand.

Affane/Cappoquin CAPPOQUIN/AFFANE ARE CLUB OF THE YEAR AS CHRISTMAS DRAWS NEAR To cap off what has already been a fantastic year Cappoquin/Affane GAA Club were awarded Waterford Club of the Year and our talisman Shane O’Rourke was nominated in good company with Mt. Sion’s Anthony Gleeson and Ballygunner’s Stephen O’Keeffe for Waterford Adult Hurler of the Year at the Waterford GAA Awards held In Lawlors Hotel, Dungarvan on Friday last with the Ballygunner man getting the nod. Our sliothar sisters Cappoquin Camogie Club set the ball rolling by completing a memorable county double by winning their respective intermediate and Premier minor championships, the Cappoquin Intermediate camogie team were very unlucky not to capture the Munster title, well done to all involved. The Cappoquin u-11 hurlers defeated Ballyduff in a cracking Town/Country final in Ballyduff earlier in the year, minus injured county minor Aaron O’Sullivan and Andy carrying an injury into the game. An injury hit Cappoquin minor hurling side almost snatched the title at the death in the dying moments of the game with a tremendous come-back against Abbeyside. Then Cappoquin intermediate hurlers, Western, County and Munster champions, what a year, we have said it all and it ain’t over yet as the journey continues in 2015 when we meet the Boys from The Falls Road, Belfast known as ‘Jermiahs’, O’Donvan Rossa's All-Ireland club senior hurling finalists 1988, on the road to Croker Sunday, January 25th. At adult level it will be our first time meeting the Antrim side, but at Juvenile level in the last decade we have come across O’Donovan Rossas on numerous occasions at the annual Mullinahone festival of hurling. Happy Christmas and best wishes for 2015 everyone. DVD LAUNCH A great night was had in the Sportsmans Bar, Cappoquin last Saturday night for the launch of their DVD titled "Triple Crown & Glory" with Kevin McCarthy doing a great job as MC for the night.

Dungarvan Observer | Friday, 19 December, 2014 Gavin Whelan did commentaries on our Western and Munster Finals and Johnners did commentary on the County final. There's also a highlight’s package along with the three full games - Western, County and Munster Finals, a great package. DVD’S are now on sale from Mary Murray’s shop and secretary Maria Scanlan. BACK IN ACTION After a brief spell in hospital recently, it’s great to see a Cornerstone of our club Ger Mason back out and about and getting ready to go back into training for the All-Ireland semi-final next month, MUNSTER CLUB WINNING CAPTAINS SWITCH ON CHRISTMAS LIGHTS Last Thursday, the Munster Club Hurling winning captains Shane O’Rourke, Cappoquin and Pa Donovan, Modeligo officallly switched on the Christmas tree lights in Cappoquin. CLUB LOTTO The numbers drawn in our Club Lotto for the jackpot prize of €5,300 on Monday, December 8th were: 6, 11, 14, 18 and there was no winner. The five €20 consolation prize winners were: Donal Kiely, Green St.; Tom Considine, Abbeyside; Elaine/Carole McCarthy, Allen St.; Mick/Gillian Hennebry, c/o Central Bar; Deirdre Curran, Mass Lane. This week’s draw was held Monday, December 15th and the results will appear here next week. THREE TO ANSWER 1, Name the three sets of brothers who were in the starting line up for Modeligo in this year’s Munster club junior hurling final? 2, Name the three sets of brothers who played for Cappoquin in this year’s Munster club Intermediate hurling final? 3, Who captained the Nire in this year’s Munster Club senior football final? LAST WEEK’S ANSWER 1, Carrickshock (2005) and Dicksboro (2011) are two Kilkenny clubs to be beaten in All-Ireland club intermediate hurling final. 2, St. Galls (2010) are the only Antrim side better known in football to play in an All-Ireland Intermediate hurling final. 3, Fr. O’Neills 2006, Dripsey 2009 and Meelin 2011 are the three Cork clubs to be All-Ireland Junior club hurling champions. WATERFORD CLUB OF THE YEAR 2014 AFFANE/CAPPOQUIN Our club comrades made the familiar trip to Dungarvan once again to add to our sparking silverware collection for 2014 on Friday night last for the Local Bar GAA Awards in Lawlors Hotel. For the 270 sitting at this banquet it was quite obvious we shone support wise with over 30 travelling from Cappoquin to support our two nominees, Shane O'Rouke for Player of the Year and our club for Club of the Year 2014. Both might I add being well deserved in each section. Being selfish, we hoped to secure both awards, however, we were gratefully awarded with Club of the Year 2014. Despite Shane being unlucky in his nomination, we undoubtedly would not be so successful this year without his contribution as a player on the field in every match with his consistency, skill and heart. Well done Shiner. Winners on the night: Affane/Cappoquin GAA - Club of the Year Seamus O’Brien Award - Johnny O’Brien Mairead McGrath - Jack Furlong Award Conor Gleeson - Underage Footballer of the Year Patrick curran - Underage Hurler of the Year Stephen O’Keeffe - Hurler of the Year Brian Wall - Footballer of the Year Martin Curran - Special Achievement Award Modeligo - Special Achievement Award Ballysaggart - Special Achievement Award Anthony Walsh - Special Achievement Award Dessie O’Leary - Special Achievement Award.

THANK YOU The Affane/Cappoquin GAA club would like to thank everyone who sponsored our teams in any shape or form this year, without your kindness and help a lot of what has been achieved could not happen, so thanks again. Have a merry Christmas and a prosperous New Year. CAPPOQUIN CAMOGIE CLUB/CAPPOQUINAFFANE GAA CLUB CELEBRATION SOCIAL The Cappoquin Camogie Club who had a fantastic year winning both the Waterford County Intermediate and Premier Minor championships and the Cappoquin/Affane GAA club who won an historic intermediate hurling Triple Crown (West/County/Munster) will hold their celebration social on Saturday, 21st February, what a night in prospect. AFFANE ‘74 REUNION The Affane team of 1974 that won the county senior football title all of forty years ago will have a reunion night in the Central Bar on Saturday, December 21st which promises to be a great night with a big club support. Also, that year a fantastic Cappoquin U-14 hurling side which did not concede a single score in winning the Western and County championship (which must be a record) went all the way to the All-Ireland Feile Na Gael Division 1 final, the only Waterford side to this day to reach the final and we were narrowly defeated by Na Piarsaigh (Cork) having a goal disallowed. AFFANE/CAPPOQUIN GAA CLUB AGM At a well attended Affane Hall recently, our club held its 2014 AGM, and the following were elected to run the affairs of the club for 2015: Presidents: Fr. J. Kiely, Fr. R. Arthure, Mickey

O’Connor, Michael Fraher, Denis McCarthy; Vice Presidents: James Morrissey, Billy McCarthy, Jack Cullinane, Eddie O’Shea, Paddy Cahill, Paddy O’Shea, Tony McCarthy, Paddy McGrath; Chairman - Ned Heffernan; Vice-Chairman: Maurice Cahillane; Treasurer: Martin Power; Assistant Treasurer: Anto Rooney; Secretary: Maria Scanlan; Assistant Secretary: James Lacey; PRO: Michael Murray; Deise Draw Co-ordinator: Ursula O’Rourke; Club Lotto Co-ordinators: Mary Coughlan, John Mansfield, James Morrissey; Delegates to County and Western Board Conventions: Ned Heffernan, Maria Scanlan and Martin Power; Delegates to County/Western Board Meetings: Tommy O’Sullivan, Michael Murray, Frank McCarthy; Head Groundsman: Michael Coffey; Committee: (all the executive committee) William Scanlon, Noel Looby, Jack McGrath, James Devine, Brian Murray, Geraldine Murray, Seamus McCarthy, Martina Murphy, Shane Coughlan, Paul Murray, Ciaran Cullinane, Tommy O’Sullivan, Bridget Murray, Ollie Mangan (members can be co-opted on to the committee during the year).

Lismore SPONSORED BY EAMONN'S PLACE GYM REFURBISHMENT In recent weeks, the Gym in Lismore GAA Community Centre has been refurbished to a very high standard. Improvements include a complete new layout with new equipment. Membership is now open for 2015 and fees are as follows: 12 months €150.00, 6 months €90.00. Vouchers are also available to purchase, for further information and details contact William Cunningham on 086/0719635 or view our website www.lismoregaa.ie ST. STEPHEN’S NIGHT DANCE Just a reminder that the club will be holding their annual fundraising dance in Lismore Hotel on St. Stephen’s night, December 26th. Music by Mike Humphries. Bar Extension. Admission €10. Tickets available on the night at the door or from any club member. Great night assured. CLUB AGM The club will hold its AGM on Sunday, 4th January, 2015, in the Clubhouse. NATIONAL DRAW TICKETS It’s that time of year again when all clubs will be promoting the National Draw Club Tickets, an incentive which will see all monies raised by sale of tickets going directly back into the respective clubs, an all round win/win situation for the club, that will no doubt bring in much needed funding on a continuing basis and ensure the consistent promotion of the GAA at club level. Ticket price is €10.00. The National Draw will take place on Friday, 27th February, 2015. Winners will be announced on the Official GAA website. Full details available on www.gaa.ie/nationalclubdraw2015. LOTTO The final Lotto draw for 2014 took place in Eamonn's Place on Monday night last. Results are as follows: there was no winner of the lotto. Numbers as follows: 6, 10, 22 & 26. The following were the winners of the Christmas Bonus: €500.00 James (Jocker) O'Connor; €250 Helen Feeney; €250 Deirdre Coleman, Bothar Mochuda; €50 Mark Buckley, Townspark; €50 Jackie O'Flynn, C/O Eamonn's Place; €50 Rita Doocey, Ballinaraha; €50 Billy Condon, Park Dota; €50 Sarah Fenton, Townspark. Next draw will be held in the Community Centre on Monday, January 5th, 2015. The club would like to congratulate Mattie and Ann O'Brien on the birth of their first baby, Maeve. The club would like to extend their deepest sympathies to our Vice-Chairman Dom O'Connell and the extended O'Connell families on the recent death of Felix O'Connell, formely of Lios On Oir. Also to our former chairman Dec Doocey and the extended Doocey and Prendergast families on the recent death of Johnny Prendergast. Ar dheis Dé go raibh a anam.

Clashmore/Kinsalebeg CHRISTMAS LOTTO DRAW Our annual Christmas Lotto Draw is due to take place on next Monday, December 22nd at The Decies Bar, Clashmore and as is tradition there will be ten €50 consolation prizes up for grabs for this draw which would be a nice Christmas bonus indeed for anyone, so make sure to get your tickets in because if you’re not in you can't win! DEISE DEVELOPMENT DRAW The final Deise Development Draw for 2014 will take place on Friday night coming so can we urge all of our monthly members to make sure your are paid up in full to ensure your place in the draw and we want to wish all of our draw members the very best of luck. SEASON'S GREETINGS As the end of 2014 rapidly approaches, we wish to take this opportunity to thank all of our members for their continued support and are also very grateful to anyone else who helped out or supported the club in any way throughout the year. Finally we want to wish all of our members a very peaceful Christmas and a happy New Year and let’s hope that 2015 can bring continued success to our club.


Dungarvan Observer | Friday, 19 December, 2014

DUNGARVAN COURSING MEETING 2014

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Margaret Enright presenting the cup to John Cullinane and Michael Eustace owner of the winner Mardine Babe. Also included Jamie Hallahan, Rian McGrath, John Kiely and Edmund Cullinane with dog.

Sean McGrath presenting the cup to Michael Condon and David O’Neill owner of winner Chamberlain Eoin.

Eamonn Kiely presenting the cup to Billy Mulcahy trainer of the winner Sharp Edge for owners N. & K. McManus. Also included Tom Murphy, Jim Barrett, Brian O’Leary, Jim Kiely and Lar Sheehy.

Jamie Hallahan presenting the cup to Anthony Hussey owner of the winner Roisins Ashmore. Also included Eamonn, Jim, Jack and Brian Kiely, Rian McGrath and Tom Murphy.

Jim Kiely presenting the cup to Dan Brassil, owner/trainer of the winner Avenue Ranger. Included Tom Murphy, Martin Murphy (slipper) and friends and supporters.

Jim Kiely presenting the cup to Michael Lillis owner of winner Alva Lil. Stephen Murray trainer holding dog. Also included Tom Murphy and Tony Stephens (assistant trainer) and connections of owner. In front is Fergus Flynn breeder of Alva Lil.


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ATHLETICS

Dungarvan Observer | Friday, 19 December, 2014

Full house for 24th Annual John Treacy Dungarvan 10 mile Ger Duhig of Cleanzone Technologies sponsors of last Sunday's 6th annual Paddy Joe Curran Turkey Memorial Trot presents 2nd overall to Kevin Kenneally.

Ger Duhig Cleanzone Technologies, sponsors at last Sunday's 6th Annual Paddy Joe Curran Memorial Turkey Trot presents 3rd lady overall Deirdre Ansbro with her prize.

Rory Wyley 3rd man home at last Sunday's 6th annual Paddy Joe Curran Memorial Turkey Trot is presented with his prize by race sponsor Ger Duhig of Cleanzone Technologies.

FROM the time the race entries opened it took just a short few weeks to fill and was closed 2 months before the official closing date. The John Treacy Dungarvan 10 has quite quickly become a must run race on the road racing calendar and so it proves to be as we could have filled the same amount of entries again such is the demand, but 2.000 was our limit for the February 1st, 2015 race and that target is well and truly attained. As advertised we have some elite entries still available with the times set at 60 minutes for Ladies and 55 minutes for men. All elite entries must be sent to Ann Dunford, The Green, Kilgobinet, Dungarvan,

County Waterford. The work really starts now for the organising committee as we strive to put on an event to be remembered by those travelling to our town, with the help and co-operation of all, committee members, club members and the general public in the Dungarvan area, we hope that the visiting and local athletes alike with have a day to remember for all the right reasons. It will take a big effort from all but with your help we can and will achieve our goal of making this one of the best 10 mile road races in the country, some might say were well and truly on the way already.

Club member Irene Clarke presents Tom Leahy, who collected a voucher for the upcoming Champions Everywhere Workshop on behalf of voucher winner Alan Whyte at last Sunday's Turkey Trot.

West Waterford Athletic Club Juveniles

Presentation of prizes for Tony’s Winter League sponsored by Ger Wyley Sports Thomas Hoarty OUR cross country season for our Cormac Mahony’s team to collect the younger athletes came to a close with the presentation of prizes for Tony’s League which was sponsored this year by Ger Wyley Sports. Once again the league was a huge success with over ninety athletes taking part. Each Friday before training a large group would gather around the notice board to check out their times and assess their teams ranking. A large number of parents were present as Tony made the announcements. The highlight of the league is always the team competition and there is always a keen contest for the honours. Ger Wyley was on hand to present the prizes to the winning teams. First up was

first team prize, followed by Niall Blackwell’s team in second and Shane O’Riordan’s team in third place. Then it was the turn of the individual prize-winners. Fastest Boy: Liam O’Reilly Fastest Girl: Aoife Hamilton Fastest Boy under 12: Oisin O’Riordan Fastest Girl under 12: Grace Power and Caoimhe Prendergast Fastest Boy on Short lap: Kevin Dower Fastest Girl on Short lap: Sophie Crotty Most Consistent: Caoimhe Dwyer Most improved since last year:

Top Two on final run: Mark McCarthy and Mark Blackwell Our thanks to our sponsor Ger Wyley, to Tony for collating all the information and keeping track of the teams and to Bro Patrick and St. Augustine’s for the use of the hall and their grounds. Santa’s elves were on hand as usual to distribute chocolate santas to all who competed. We wish all our athletes, coaches, parents, supporters and those who helped out with our various events during the year a happy and peaceful Christmas. Tony will be back in action on Monday 29th at 6.15 p.m.

European Cross Country Championships Samokov 2014

Team bronze for Irish Senior Ladies THE senior Irish women’s team won a brilliant bronze team medal at the European Cross country Championships in Samokov, Bulgaria last Sunday. The team made up of Fionnuala Britton (Kilcoole AC), Sara Treacy (Dunboyne AC), Michelle Finn (Leevale AC), AnnMarie McGlynn (Letterkenny AC), Siobhan O’Doherty (Borrisokane AC) and Laura Crowe (An Riocht AC) combined to place third with a score of 87 points. The total score meant the Irish team finished one point ahead of the French team who placed fourth on 88 points, earning Ireland their seventh team medal at these championships since they began in 1994. Irish team captain AnnMarie McGlynn said “I am thrilled, I knew coming in that we had a chance. I am just so delighted for the girl’s, we have really gelled as a team and this is just brilliant to get a team medal, I am

delighted". At the front of the field Britton was aiming for a third European cross country title in the space of four years having won the title in 2011 and 2012. Britton was always to the fore in a fast paced race as the Great Britain and NI athletes Kate Avery and Gemma Steel battled it out for the individual title with Steel coming out the victor. Track specialist Bahta of Sweden swept through the field on the final lap to place third. Despite her best efforts Britton finished in sixth place in a time of 28.59, one place behind last year’s champion Sophie Duarte of France. Britton said “On the last lap, with the other two girls away (Steel & Avery), it was a medal race and I really just wanted to get that medal. I tried really hard but my legs just weren’t going. I battled all the way as I knew every place mattered and I would be devastated if I had of lost it for the girl’s. Commenting

on the team bronze Britton said “We knew coming in that we had a chance of a medal, all the girl’s on the team are real cross country runners. So we knew that we would all battle all the way around the course, no matter what the conditions were. Sara Treacy ran a very courageous race storming through the field to finish in twelfth place. Treacy started off cautiously running in 47th place after the first lap. As the race unfolded Treacy upped her pace and powered to a fine twelfth place finish. Michelle Finn was another of those having a breakthrough race as she impressed crossing the line in 23rd place in a time of 30.09. Team captain McGlynn was in next as she gave everything to cross the line in 46th place followed closely by team mate Siobhan O’Doherty in 47th. Laura Crowe who was unwell on the morning of the race finished in 53rd to round out the Irish team placing’s.

Fiona O’Riordan, Una Mulligan, Jennifer O’Riordan and Margaret Conway at the Waterford AC [Noel Browne] Half Marathon on Saturday, 6th December, 2014 at Carriganore.

Munster Junior and Senior Cross Country Championships THE Munster Junior and Senior Cross Country Championships and Juvenile Inter-County Relays will be held on Sunday, 11th January 2015 at W.I.T Campus

Waterford. The club will be entering teams in these championships any athlete wishing to take part must enter through club cross country

coordinator Tony Ferncombe who can be contacted at 0833070569. Entries close on Friday, January 2nd. No entries will be accepted on race day.

Entries to Munster Indoor Junior, Under 23 and combined events and National Indoor League THE Munster indoor Junior, under 23 and combined events are being held in Nenagh on Sunday, January 4th 2015. Entries close on Friday 19th December. Also the national league will be held on Sunday, 11th January 2015 in Athlone I.T. Entries close on 29th December. All entries must be into our new club track and field co-ordinator Orla Bannon

on 087-3156592. No entries after these date's and no entries on competition day. Orla will be responsible for all club Track and Field affairs for the coming season, your co-operation with Orla in all matters relating to track and field will be paramount to the smooth operation of entering athletes to the various competitions throughout the year.

St. Stephen’s Day Club membership Jolly Jaunt THE annual Charity Fun Run on St. Stephen’s Day will be held once again this year in association with Dungarvan G.A.A. It’s a fun run comprising of a five mile route and everyone is free to run or walk at whatever pace they feel like. The event gets under way at 11 am. All money donated on the day will go to DUNGARVAN COMMUNITY HOSPITAL BUS FUND there is no set fee as in other races, it’s at each person’s discretion but we ask that runners and walkers give generously. The entries will be taken at the Dungarvan GAA club where soup and sandwiches will be provided after the run.

THE club membership for 2015 can now be paid. The club membership is for the calendar year January to December. The membership stays unchanged at €25.

Running Quote LIFE is short. Running makes it seem longer.


WEST WATERFORD AC

Dungarvan Observer | Friday, 19 December, 2014

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21st Annual Allrounder Sports Winter League

€1,100 raised at Winter League Charity Night for Sesame Pre-School ONCE again last Wednesday evening, the generosity of the winter league runners was evident. Every year without fail the runners came up trumps as they year in year out dig deep and in full charitable spirit a grand total of €1,100 was raised for our traditional Christmas Charity Night. Thanks so much to all those who donated so generously, it was very much appreciated by all at the club as well as the recipient of the proceeds which was the Sesame special needs preschool and through your generosity young children in our community will benefit greatly from the monies collected. Our thanks to Eleanor McGrath who came along on the night to accept the cheque on behalf of Sesame preschool. Eleanor would like to thank all those involved in the collection,"these monies are a huge boost towards our fundraising efforts in getting a sound room built for the young children". Tonight is the final night of the league before the winter break so best of luck to you all and make sure to keep up the training over the break, even if it’s only the odd run or two it will make all the difference when the league resumes in 2015 on Wednesday, January 7th. Please note this Wednesday will see Mass start for both leagues so please be early. SHORT ROUTE-HELEN CUMMINS SHOWS HUGE IMPROVEMENT Week 6 saw another good turnout of runners on the short course crossing the finish line. Now that we’re at week 6 it's evident to see that these runners were on a mission as it was a great race at the finish line with everybody giving it there all. The first 4 runner’s home in week 6 were new to the short route. Conor Kelly lead the way with a fast run of 17:03 followed by Michael Moynihan (who had ran the long route the previous week) 19:48 and with only five seconds between 3rd and 4th place

Joe Roche pictured as he crosses the finish line at last week’s 21st Annual Allrounder Sports Winter League.

were Bill Keevers in 20:00 minutes and newcomer Liam O’Dwyer 20:05. Helen Cummins was our fastest improver and finished way up the field in 24:18 a minute and half faster than last week so very well done to her. Jean Beresford had a great run this week clocking 21:50, as did Sharon Murray 21:25, Sarah Harty 22:27 and Aine Ui Lionain Clocking 24:00 on the button! Pushing each other at the finish line and crossing together were Jennifer O’Riordan 21:18, Paul Weldon 22:19 and Annkatrin Dahling 20:49, well done lads. With tonight being the final night before we break for Christmas I am sure runners will look to push themselves that extra little bit and with seconds to aim for it’s a challenge for Norette Bambury 24:04, Philip Hayes 21:06, Joseph O’Donnell 18:03, Sheila Budds, Tom Hallahan 22:00, Geraldine Heffernan 19:05, and Brigid Coakley. Best of luck to you tonight!! When the going gets tough the tough get going, keep this in mind tonight and have a good run for the last night before we break for Christmas. COOL CONDITIONS DON'T PUT OFF LONG ROUTE RUNNERS AS CAROL BYRNE LEADS HOME THE LADIES The weather turned a bit cooler last week but luckily the rain and wind stayed away so there were once again good coniditions for running. 186 runners took on the 5.2 miles last Wednesday and many improved on their previous best times. First home on the night were the experienced duo of Johnny O'Connor and Gerry Cantwell who both clocked the same time of 37.39. Next was our first lady on the night, Carol Byrne in 49.57. Aoife McGrath, Mary Garney, Nicola Cunnife and Linda Garcia all finished together and will be delighted to have gone under 51 minutes as they clocked 50.59. 50 minutes will surely be the next target for this group. A good number of runners ran last week having ran the Waterford half marathon 3 days earlier among these were Una Mulligan, 44.29, Mossie Keogh 30.21, Joe Gough 34.00 and Sandra Prendergast 38.53. We also had 2 runners that had run the Clonakilty Marathon at the weekend. Well done to Ted O'Leary and Paul Brunnock 37.56 and 41.13 respectively. There were also good runs on the night by John Leahy 30.48, Tony Ferncombe 38.31, Geraldine Barry 45.51 and Josie Harty 47.29. Next week is the last night before the Christmas break so everyone, will be try-

ing to put down a marker before the year end DR. ANITA GLEESON CHIROPRACTIC CLINIC SPONSORS LEAGUE Dr. Anita Gleeson BSc, MSc, DC is a Registered Chiropractor working from Dungarvan Chiropractic Clinic, Alternative Health Centre, Main Street Dungarvan. Anita has kindly donated to the league a free Initial Consultation to her Chiropractic Clinic. The winner of the voucher for week 6 of the league is Maria Condon. Our thanks to Anita for this kind donation to the league and she can be contacted for appointment on 058-44299. Chiropractic is a primary healthcare profession that specialises in the diagnosis, treatment and management of problems relating to muscles, bones and ligaments of the body. Doctors practice a drug-free, hands-on approach to healthcare that includes patient examination, diagnosis and treatment. ZUZANA MALIKOVACOSTIN PHYSICAL THERAPIST VOUCHERS For this year's winter league Zuzana MalikovaCostin once again is a friend of the winter league by kindly sponsoring two vouchers for each week of the league.The winners of the vouchers for week 6 were Dave O'Regan (short route) and Grainne Ni Cheirin (long route). Zuzana is a Neuromuscular Physical Therapist and Massage therapist and is based at the Complementary Health Clinic, Tournore, Abbeyside. She can be contacted at 0871218721. The winners of the voucher each week will be the person finishing 40th on the long route and 30th on the short route. Our thanks go to Zuzana for donating these prizes. TEAM COMPETITION KICKS OFF AT WINTER LEAGUE We have a total of 19 teams registered for our team

David Cullinane broke the 40 minute barrier at last week’s long course at the 21st Annual Allrounder Sports Winter League.

Tom Leahy presents a cheque for €1,100 on behalf of all the runners of the Winter League to Eleanor McGrath who accepts it on behalf of the Sesame Preschool. Well done to all and thanks for your generosity. competition in this year’s Winter league. This has been up and running for the last 3 weeks and the table is starting to take shape. Our early leaders are “Blood, Sweat and Beers” (Sinead Moore, Mary Harney and Valerie Power), closely followed by the “Pace Makers (Denise Nugent, Nicola Cunnife and Rita Connolly) and in third place “The Young One and The Rest of Us” (Jacinta Sheil, Jackie Tobin and Aoife McGrath). SANTA WILL ATTEND FOR MASS START AT WEEK 7 Please note all runners that we have a mass start tonight for both leagues. The short course runners will get under way at 7.20 p.m. and the long course runners 5 minutes later. Santa will be present at the league end with some nice pressies, but only for the good boys and girls. LEAGUE TABLES ARE NOW TAKING SHAPE The league tables are really starting to take shape now. For each night that you run, we keep track of your finishing position. The winner of the league will be the person with the least points so it’s really important over the last 400 metres or so that you pass out as many people as possible and to try not to let anyone pass you out as that will give you fewer points. At the moment and heading into week 7 the leaders are Paul McGrath in the long route and Jason O'Riordan in the short route. The names at the top of the leader board may well change or they may very well remain the same, time will tell. The following are the top 10 in both routes: LONG ROUTE Paul McGrath, Linda Bradfield, Mark Shalloe, Darren Healy, Pat Morrissey, Liam Kavanagh, Richie Fitzgerald, Richard Harty, Mossie Keogh and Tony Ferncombe. SHORT ROUTE Jason O'Riordan, Nan O'Brien, Muriel Healy, Christina Frucht, Gerry Cummins, Brenda Kirwan, Anthony Murphy Grainne Keating, Anne Quinn and Tricia Organ.

Cleanzone Technologies Paddy Joe Curran Memorial Cup

Raivis Zakis wins 6th Annual €3,500 raised for Turkey Trot West Waterford Hospice THE 6th annual Old Parish Turkey Trot took place last Sunday morning. Conditions were not ideal with rain and a cold wind on parts of the course. Sincere thanks go to all the crew who were out early in the morning checking the course and ensuring that it was safe for all the runners and especially to all the stewards who manned the course in poor conditions. A total of 141 runners and around 50 walkers took part which was testament to the hard work put in by the race committee at the Marine headed up by Padraig Healy. The generosity of the runners, walkers and locals and the the sponsorship acquired meant that €3,500 was raised for West Waterford Hospice. Everyone involved should be very proud to have raised such a huge amount for an important local charity. Margaret Meehan spoke on behalf of West Waterford Hospice at the prize presentation and told us a little of that organisation and the great work they do. She also thanked everyone for supporting the event. The organisers of the race sincerely thanked and acknowledged the support of all involved. The late Paddy Joe Curran who got this race underway 6 years ago would have been thrilled to see the

support on the day. As a way of remembering Paddy Joe, who was our club president for years, his family donated a cup in his memory which is presented to the winner of this race every year. The overall race winner and recipient of the Paddy Joe Curran Perpetual Cup was Raivis Zakis in 27.48, one place better than his 2nd place finish from last year. Finishing in second place was Kevin Kenneally in 28.16 with the inform Rory Wyley in 3rd. It was a good day for West Waterford AC with the 1st 8 finishers all from the club. In the ladies victory went to Corinna Walsh of West Waterford AC, who like Raivis went one better than last year. She ran the tough course in 33.33. In second was Tara Rhatigan of Sportsworld, Terenure 34.54 with Third place going to Deirdre Ansbro of Youghal AC in 35.37. The race was a huge success thanks to the contribution to all involved, the local stewards, Liam and Tony in the van, Conor and Jamie for looking after the course and to Megan, Liam, Breda and Bernie who looked after the entries and the times. A sincere word of thanks must go to our hosts Helen and Christy O’Neill who provided the hot refreshments and

food for all the runners and they made sure that we were all well looked after, thanks so much. The race organizers would like to sincerely thank Ger Duhig and Johnny Curran of Cleanzone Technologies for their generous sponsorship of the race and also O'Mahony Business Advisors, The Marine Bar, Irene Clarke of Champions Everywhere Running Workshop, Munster Signs, McGrath's Newsagent, Dirk Baumann Lighting, Murray’s pharmacy, Kevin Forde of Daybreak Shop/Topaz Garage, C+R Drinks Ltd, CountryStore Fruit and Veg, Tom Drohan Undertakers and Tommy Kiely Car Sales. Finally, again to the great committee effort at the Marine a very well done all. ALAN WHYTE WINS CHAMPIONS EVERYWHERE WORKSHOP VOUCHER Club member Irene Clarke is organising a running workshop in the Park Hotel, Dungarvan on 17th/18th January 2015. The course is in conjunction with Champions Everywhere (more details at www.championseverywhere.com. She generously donated a voucher for this workshop as a spot prize for the Turkey Trot. The winner of the voucher was Alan Whyte.

Christy O’Neill of the Marine Bar presents the the Paddy Joe Curran Memorial Cup to winner Raivis Zakis at last Sunday's 6th Annual turkey trot which was race number 2 in the Michael Roche Carpets series. Also pictured is race sponsor Ger Duhig of Cleanzone Technologies.


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GOLF

West Waterford Golf & Country Club Telephone: 058-43216. Fax: 058-44343. E-mail: info@westwaterfordgolf.com Website: www.westwaterfordgolf.com RESULTS WLR Hamper Appeal Competition 1st. Mike Daly (17) – 42 pts, 2nd. Adrian Yellop (10) – 38 pts. Best Lady: Reena McDonnell (35) – 20 pts. Bonus Hamper Final Saturday, 13th Dec. Category 1. Mark O’Sullivan – 53, Category 2. Luke Swayne – 48. Category 3. Ollie Broderick – 49, Category 4. John Joyce – 51. Open Singles – Wednesday, 10th December 1st. Justin Spratt (18) – 29

pts, 2nd. Joe Keane (22) – 28 pts b8. FIXTURES Men’s Monthly 9 hole for December – play any day, 2 cards counting. Wednesday, 17th Dec – Open Singles, Gents / Ladies / Seniors 16 Hole Sfd. Saturday, 20th Dec./Sun. 21st Dec. – Club Competition 16 hole Sfd. FORDE’S DAYBREAK BONUS HAMPER FINAL Owing to frost on Saturday morning play was delayed for a few hours but despite this the finalists for the Bonus

Hampers remained patient and all categories were well represented. The format was strokeplay and the scoring was of a high standard with the four winners having to fight for victory in each category. Captain David Condon was on hand to present the hampers as were the winners and a sizeable crowd. David thanked all who supported our weekend competitions during the year and our generous sponsor for the final, Fordes Daybreak. Well done to all. COMERAGH OIL WINTER LEAGUE 2015 Preparations for our Winter League are going well and we hope to have team lists ready by the weekend. We are delighted to announce that all entry fees remain unchanged from last year, and due to the massive response for entries we will be awarding eight weekly prizes over four categories for the duration of the league. On completion of the four

WWGC Ladies Competition kindly sponsored by Cliff House Hotel.May Barron, Lady Vice Captain, presents first prize to the winner, Margaret O'Sullivan. Included are Mary Lou Carroll (2nd) and Joan Sheehan for Jean Conway (3rd). [Sean Byrne//Deise Sport]

You can contact us by phoning 058-44055 Our email address is: goldcoastgolf@cablesurf.com. Our website is: www.goldcoastgolfclub.com RESULTS Wed 10th/Friday, 12th December: Winter League R8, CSS 40 pts. 1st: Stephen Greene (12) 40 pts. Gross: Michael Kavanagh (5) 35 pts. Sat. 13th/Sunday, 14th December: Winter League R8, CSS 40 pts. 1st: Darren Power (19) 45 pts. Cat 0-8: Diarmaid Henley (6) 41 pts. Cat 9-13: Mark Lenihan (10) 44 pts. Cat 14-17: Noel Sammon (14) 42 pts. Cat 18+: Benny Kiely (20) 40 pts. FIXTURES Tuesday, 16th December: Open Seniors, 50+ Ladies and Gents. Friday, 19th December: Open 18 Holes Stableford. Saturday, 20th December: 18 Holes Stableford. Sunday, 21st December: Captain’s Drive In. Tuesday, 23rd December: Open Seniors, 50+, Ladies and Gent. CAPTAIN’S DRIVE IN The ‘Drive In’ for our three new Captains, Tom White, Gillian Cashman and Michael Lenihan will take place on Sunday, 21st December at

9.45 a.m. The Drive In will be followed by a Yellow Ball Competition, A Rumble and a Singles competition and this will be a shotgun start directly after the Drive In. All players should be registered by 9.30. This year there will be a draw for tees at 9.35 a.m. MICHAEL LENIHAN ON MUNSTER U-16 PANEL During the week Michael Lenihan was notified that he had been selected to the Munster Under 16 Panel and now Michael will undergo extensive coaching with Munster coaches in Blarney starting in January. Now playing off 5.5 handicap I have no doubt but that this will be reduced further in the new year and that Michael will be a serious competitor for gross prizes in the coming season. PREMIER BUTCHERS AT DAWN MEATS WINTER LEAGUE R8 Hard to believe that we have completed 8 rounds of the league without any serious weather interruptions, for this time of the year. We had a slight delay on Saturday

morning but with the co-operation of all concerned all players were on the course by 10.30 and the league went ahead. Dunhill still maintain their lead at the top of the table and are now on 2736 pts. Ballinacourty moved into 2nd place and have 10 points to spare on their nearest rival, Dungarvan. Abbeyside hold on to 4th spot with the Deise, Nire/Touraneena and Copper Coast filling the last three spots. The scoring is as follows: Dunhill 2736; Ballinacourty 2662; Dungarvan 2654; Abbeyside 2635; Deise 2612; Nire/Touraneena 2599; Copper Coast 2527. The league now takes a break until after Christmas and will resume on 7th January. The league section will finish week ending 15th February and the match-play section will commence on 22nd February with the playoff between 4th and 5th in the league. INDIVIDUAL SCORING Austin Kiely Jnr increased his lead at the top of the table and is now 8 pts clear of second placed Joe Meade. Willie Moore is in third place Pat Murphy is in fourth place. Austin Kiely Jr 320, Joe Meade 312, Willie Moore 311, Pat Murphy 308, Pat Power 307, Willie Flavin 307, John White 305, Tommy Long 304, Noel Sammon 304, Paddy Walsh 302, Jimmy Beresford 302, Brian O'Connor 302, Diarmuid Henley 301, Mark Lenihan 299, Lee Crotty 299, Tom

Dungarvan Observer | Friday, 19 December, 2014

Gold Coast Golf Club Ladies Winter League. Seated from left: Kay Glassen, Bernie Morrissey, Martina Corkery, Gillian Cashman, Lady Captain and Rose Murphy. Standing from left: Mary Kiely, Ger Hallinan, Elaine Goss, Ruth Hannigan and Helena Fitzgerald. [Sean Byrne//Deise Sport]

qualifying rounds the top 16 teams progress to the matchplay stage. Along with overall prizes for winning and runner up teams, there will also be prizes for the best qualifying team excluding the finalists. Entries for the league will be accepted up to Wednesday, 17th December, by ringing the office at 43216 or Pat Power at 0876611276. Remember that Round 1 commences on Monday, 29th December. Keep an eye on the notice board and on www.westwaterfordgolf.com for updates and team listings. WLR HAMPER APPEAL Thanks to everyone who supported this competition and to those who made donations. West Waterford is delighted to be associated with the appeal and we hope the proceeds help those in need over the Christmas season. White 299, Jimmy O'Dwyer 298, Des O'Brien 298. NEW FORMAT FOR SOME COMPETITIONS NEXT YEAR The fixture list for 2015 is presently being compiled and it will show some innovative changes for the coming season. More on this in the coming weeks. If any member has any suggestions they feel would benefit the club we would be delighted to hear from them. CHRISTMAS 3 CLUB COMPETITION Starting at 10 a.m. there will be a three club competition for the customary bottle of brandy over 9 holes. €2,000 AND CLIMBING Yes, that is the amount collected here in the Gold Coast for the Lions Christmas Appeal. An exceptional amount in the present circumstances and once again we must express our sincere thanks to the members for their very kind generosity. We hope the Lions Club have a very successful Appeal again this year. GAA CLASSIC RESULTS 1st: Niall Curran (10), Liam Clancy (16), Joe Curran (22) 57 pts.; 2nd: Morrie Ferncombe (7), Kieran Foley (14), Kenny Walsh (17) 56 pts.; 3rd: Denis Conway (10), Bertie Hallahan (13), Noel Conway (16) 55 pts.; 4th: Paul Kelly (10), Tosh Walsh (19), Eamon Cleary (19) 55 pts.; 5th: J. J. Quinn (14), Karen Darcy (30), Noirin Darcy (29) 53 pts.; 6th: Mark Richardson (10), John Heggarty (5), John Evoy (17) 53 pts.; 7th: Kieran Alcock (13), Paudie Prendergast (11),

AUTUMN/WINTER OPEN SINGLES 16 HOLE STABLEFORD This competition is ongoing each Wednesday throughout the Autumn/Winter season. Along with prizes on the day winners will qualify for the final later in the year. Prizes and qualification subject to minimum entries on the day. Loyalty vouchers from visitors will be honored subject to a minimum entry fee of €10. WINTER CHALLENGE TROPHY OCT, 2014 – 21st DEC, 2014 Suipeil makes a charge. Nissan player Liam Suipeil had one hand on championship after having 6 pars and a birdie on first 11 holes just to falter near end but still moves him within 2pts off Karl Duggan with final week to go. Mooneys player Eoin Donnelly + GSK Robert

Torpey are tied 3rd on 55 pts. 13 hole s/ford Best two Scores count to be champion. Competition will run untill 21st December. Results and details on westwaterford Face Book (www.westwaterfordgolf. com) COUNTY CHAMPIONS Congratulations to An Ghaeltacht on their victory in the U-21 county final. SEASON’S GREETINGS As the year draws to a close, Captain David Condon, Lady Captain Mary Barron, and President Pat Murray take this opportunity to thank our sponsors and members of the local and national media for their contribution to the success of our club. We extend good wishes to management, staff, and the members of West Waterford Golf Club. May you all have

a happy and peaceful Christmas as we look forward to another successful year in 2015. LADIES NOTES FIXTURES A 13 hole competition is presently running until 24th December. 9 hole for December – sponsored by Aine Parks. WINTER LEAGUE The first round of the winter league will start on 26th December; the first round will run for a minimum of two weeks. Teams and details on the notice board and website. Please keep an eye on the notice board for announcements and updates. DATE FOR YOUR DIARY Social evening, 28th December, with ceol and craic from 6.00 p.m. after the final Sunday 9 hole competition.

West Waterford Golf Club Ladies Competition kindly sponsored by Sam McCauley Chemists. Deirdre Ryan, Sam McCauley Chemists, Sponsor presenting the winner, Margaret O'Sullivan with her prize. Included are Mary Herlihy, 3rd and Mary Barron, Lady Vice-Captain. [Sean Byrne//Deise Sport] Brendan Hannon (9) 51 pts.; 8th: John White (5), Ger Bagge (6), Brian Fahey (10) 51 pts.; 9th: Mossie Walsh (9), David Walsh (12), Roger O'Connor (15) 50 pts.; 10th: Morrie Ferncombe (7), Paudie Flynn (14), Kenny Walsh (17) 50 pts.; 11th: Eamon O'Donnell (4), Liam Daniels (13), Richard Tierney (15) 50 pts.; 12th: Tommy Dunphy (9), Barry Hennessy (11), Conal O'Reilly (15) 49 pts.; 13th: Helena Fitzgerald (16), Nicholas Fitzgerald (22), Eilo Fitzgerald (27) 49 pts.; 14th: Richie Walsh (18), Alan O'Brien (18), J. D. Casey (18) 49 pts.

CHRISTMAS VOUCHERS Stuck for an idea for a Christmas present, think Gold Coast Vouchers. Gold Coast Vouchers can be used for Golf Membership, Green Fees, Leisure Centre Membership, or food and beverages in the Gold Coast.

To purchase a voucher call to the Golf Club, Hotel Reception or the Leisure Centre. Vouchers can also be purchased using credit cards. NEW MEMBERSHIP RATES FOR GOLD COAST Membership from now until end of 2015. Full: Males €500, Females €350, Couples €700 Country: Males €200, Females €150 Seniors: Males €370, Females €270. Distance: Males €370, Females €300 (Over 50 miles) (€30 GUI and Club levy extra) Standing Order or Easy pay facility available Special Rates for playing the Gold Coast until 1st April: Every Monday/ Tuesday/ Wednesday/ Thursday: Golf & Carvery Lunch €20

Every Tuesday: Open Seniors (50+) Ladies and Gents: Golf €12, Golf & Carvery Lunch €20. Every Friday: Open Singles (Gents): Golf €15, Golf & Carvery €25 Every Saturday/Sunday: Golf & Carvery €25

LADIES NOTES Captain’s Drive In: The ‘Drive In’ for our three new Captains, Tom White, Gillian Cashman and Michael Lenihan will take place on Sunday, 21st December at 9.45 a.m. The Drive In will be followed by a Yellow Ball Competition, A Rumble and a Singles competition and this will be a shotgun start directly after the Drive In. All players should be registered by 9.30. This year there will be a draw for tees at 9.35 a.m.


GOLF

Dungarvan Observer | Friday, 19 December, 2014

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Lismore Golf Club Phone 058-54026. Email: lismoregolfclub@eircom.net Website: www.lismoregolf.org LISMORE GOLF CLUB MEN’S RESULTS 12 Hole Singles Stableford (Turkeys & Hams) – Monday 8th to Sunday, 14th December: 1st Paudie Prendergast (11) 29 pts.; 2nd Pat Beecher (21) 27 pts.; 3rd Darragh Prendergast (11) 26 pts. This week there was only the one competition as opposed to the regular Monday to Saturday and then on Sunday. This week’s winner was Paudie Prendergast with 29 points off an 11 handicap. Paudie had two birdies very early in his round starting with one on the first and again on the 3rd hole. Paudie had 6 pars also in the 12 holes to win by 2 clear shots this week. Second was Pat Beecher with 27 points off a 21 handicap, Pat had a very consistent round throughout and had 3 pars on his card.

Third was Darragh Prendergast with 26 points off 11. It was a good weekend for the Prendergast’s with father Paudie winning and son Darragh claiming 3rd. Darragh birdied the 9th and had 7 pars in the 12 holes to ensure that the turkey and the ham is sorted for the Prendergast’s this Christmas … nice work lads! LISMORE GOLF CLUB MEN’S FIXTURES Monday 15th to Saturday, 20th December: 12 Hole Singles Stableford. Sunday, 21st December: 12 Hole Singles Stableford. Monday, 22nd December, to Sunday, 4th January: 3 Person Team Event SemiOpen. SYMPATHIES The club wishes to convey our condolences to Club member Michael O’Regan on the recent death of his brother.

DUNGARVAN GOLF CLUB Tel. Office 058-43310, Fax. 058-44113, Pro Shop 058-44707. Website: www.dungarvangolfclub.com; Email: dungarvangc@eircom.net DEISE GOLF WORLD WINTER LEAGUE With the course in great shape despite the cold weather scoring was brilliant in the semi finals of the Deise Golf World Winter League. With more re-entries than a NASA space shuttle, competitors are taking the league seriously and Tony Power rose to the top shooting a brilliant 42 points. Not to be outdone Johnny Carroll followed with 41 points. The final is certain to be a competitive affair this week. Jose Olazabal team beat Jack Niclaus by 6/3 with William O’Brien leading with 37 pts. In the other semi-final Christy O’Connnor beat Ben Hogan by 5/4. Some of these games were very close. This was a great Winter League we would like to thank all the members for supporting the Winter League and we would like to thank our sponsor for the great prizes that Graham Nagle sponsored for this Competition. The finals will be taking place this week from Wednesday, 17th to Sunday, 21st, again it will be card against card. We will be

starting another Spring League in early January 15th please keep an eye on the notice board. Our Christmas AdultJunior scramble takes place on Sunday, 21st and entries can be submitted to David in the ProShop. If you require a partner just let us know. The event is a 9 hole Scramble at 2 pm kindly sponsored again by Margaret Lake from the Mullen-Lake School of Dance. There will be refreshments and prizes for all competitors. As ground conditions are fragile, golfers are reminded to repair pitchmarks and buggy users are reminded to use fairways and paths only. Also, with the onset of a cold snap in the weather members are reminded that the course staff have the final say in the playability of the course. Significant damage can be done by playing on greens that have not fully thawed so we need to be patient. The latest Local Rules are posted on the notice board between locker rooms. In other news we would

Gold Coast Golf Club Ladies Fun Day in aid of WLR/Lions Club Christmas Appeal. Seated from left: Esther McGuckian, Bernie Morrissey, Rose Murphy and Didi Hannigan. Standing from left: Mary Kiely, Ger Hallinan, Anne Keane, Serena Roche and Gillian Cashman, Lady Captain. [Sean Byrne//Deise Sport]

like to wish popular member Tom Coffey a speedy recovery from hospital. And it’s great to see our old friends Ann Fitz and Ollie O’Neill returning to the course and card room respectively. You can follow the latest news and results on our club app. Please email David at golfpro@eircom.net if you haven’t already downloaded the link. CHRISTMAS GIFT IDEAS Wondering what to get that special someone this Christmas? “Gift Vouchers” are the ideal gift. They can be purchased directly from the Pro Shop for golf clothing, equipment and accessories, or Dungarvan Golf Club Vouchers, for any amount, can be purchased directly from the Office and redeemed against any of the following. * 2015 membership subscription (enquire at the office for special introductory rates for new golfers) * Green fees inclusive of food and beverage from clubhouse restaurant * Golf Triangle Pass Only €60. (For the month of December only, Dungarvan, West Waterford and Gold Coast are collectively giving members the opportunity to purchase a golf triangle pass for just €60. The ticket permits one round of golf in each of the three courses any day of the week, subject to prebooking, and is valid for 12 months. The ticket normally retails at €69, so this represents great value for money, and may be the ideal Christmas gift for someone you know. Tickets can be purchased in any of the three

golf clubs). * Open Competition voucher inclusive of food and beverage from clubhouse restaurant. * Also, don’t forget the Members Special Green Fee Offer where members can purchase a book of ten Green Fee vouchers for just €100. These vouchers are valid for play with a member Monday to Friday, and represent great value for money. So if you want to treat someone this Christmas or want an economical way to entertain friends, family or business colleagues during the year, why not invest in a book of Green Fee vouchers, on sale from the office. "Gift Vouchers" can be bought over the phone with credit card or laser card and can be posted to nominated address. Please contact Irene on 058 43310 or dungarvangc@eircom.net for further details GENTS RESULTS Mon 8th Open Seniors: Winner Brian McNally (16) Slievenamon 41pts, 2nd, Danny McSweeney (12) Youghal 39pts. Thurs 11th 16 Holes Open Singles: Winner Mossie Walsh (7) 39pts, 2nd Willie O’Brien (7) 37 pts. Sat. 13th 16 Holes Singles: Winner Jimmy Wemyss (12) 38 pts, 2nd Justin Walsh (11) 37 pts, Gross Peter Mullaney 35 pts, 3rd Conor Barrett (4) 37 pts. Sun. 14th 16 Holes Singles: Winner Tony Power (17) 42 pts, 2nd Johnny Carroll (11) 41 pts, Gross Kevin Cusack 31 pts, 3rd Tom Considine (10) 39 pts. GENTS FIXTURES Mon. 15th Open Gents & Ladies 16 Holes Senior

Singles (50+), Wed. 17th Sixty.Com at 1.30, Thurs. 18th Gents Open 16 Holes Singles, Fri. 19th Gents 16 Holes Singles, Sat. 20th Gents 16 Holes Singles, Sun. 21st Gents 16 Holes Singles; Adult-Junior Scramble 9 Holes 2 pm Shotgun Start. Mon. 22nd Open Gents 16 Holes Senior Singles (50+) LADIES RESULTS Saturday, 13th 16 Holes Singles: Winner Mary Power (15) 29 pts. LADIES FIXTURES Tuesday, 16th Ladies 11 Holes Singles & Home Alliance, Wednesday, 17th Sixty.Com at 1.30 p.m.; Youngones Christmas Lunch at 2 pm, Saturday, 20th Ladies 16 Holes Singles, Sunday, 21st Adult-Junior Scramble 9 Holes 2pm Shotgun Start, Monday, 22nd Open Ladies 16 Holes Senior Singles (50+) CHRISTMAS FIXTURES Mon. 22 Dec. Open Gents/Ladies Seniors (50+) 16 Holes Singles S/F Tue. 23 Dec. Open Gents 16 Holes/ Ladies 11 Holes Singles S/F Wed. 24 Dec. Open Gents/Ladies 9 Holes Singles S/F Thu. 25 Dec. Club + Putter 9 Holes, Back 9, €3 entry. Fri. 26 Dec. Open Gents 16 Holes Singles S/F Sat. 27 Dec. Open Gents/Ladies 16 Holes Singles S/F Sun. 28 Dec. Open Gents 16 Holes Singles S/F Mon. 29 Dec. Open Gents/Ladies Seniors (50+) 16 Holes Singles S/F Tue. 30 Dec. Open Gents 16 Holes Singles S/F, Open Ladies 11 Holes Singles S/F

Wed. 31 Dec. Open Gents 16 Holes Singles S/F Wed. 1 Jan Captains’ Drive-In at 12.30 and 9 holes Scramble ANNUAL SUBSCRIPTIONS Many thanks to members who have already paid their annual subscription. The Club relies on members’ cooperation at this time of year with payment of subscriptions, so assistance regarding payment of outstanding membership fees would be greatly appreciated. Thank you for your continued support. SIXTY.COM Results Wed 10th Winner: Jack Elstead (19) 14 pts, Best Gent Rogie O’Connor (15) 14 pts. Next Competition Wednesday, 17th at 1.30 on front 9. YOUNGONES Results 10th Winner Peggy O’Brien 17 pts. Youngones Christmas lunch takes place this Wednesday at 2 pm. No golf on the day. PROGRESSIVE 45 Results 11th Winners Francis Millerick & Ann Morrissey. Runners Up Richie & Billy Ormonde, Cora & Indra Beresford, Pat Phelan & John Considine, Derry Cotter & PJ Landers; Last 5 Jim Kiersey & Colm Bannon; Lucky Table: John Motherway & Paddy Corkery. PROSHOP NOTES Our resident PGA professional, David has a full stock of Winter clothing for Ladies and Gents. Ranging from waterproof suits and skins to thermal wear, polonecks and fleeces including thermal gloves you can stay warm and dry this Winter.

David is currently accepting orders for Christmas and popular items include electric trollies, GPS systems, Junior clubs, Golfbags and Shoes. David offers free custom fitting and professional advice. David can be contacted at 058-44707 and you can follow special offers at www.davidhayesgolf.com. JUNIOR NOTES Tuition for our beginners and PreJuniors continues next Saturday, 20th December at 3 pm under the watchful eye of club professional and Waterford Junior County Coach David Hayes. Many thanks to Niamh for her assistance last week. Club Professional David has a fantastic range of Junior equipment for the little golfer including clubs, shoes, trollies and outerwear. Our elite squad have commenced their winter training on Tuesdasy nights at Tinhalla driving range. We depart the club at 7 pm sharp and Adult members are welcome to attend. Any enquiries relating to Junior activities can be directed to David at 05844707 or email at golfpro@eircom.net. We are delighted to announce that Margaret Lake from the Mullen-Lake School of Dance will sponsor our Adult Junior Christmas Scramble on Sunday, 21st December. It will be a shotgun start at 2 pm and the event is open to non-members. Please submit your entry to David at 058-44707. It promises to be a great day with refreshments and prizes for everyone.


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GENERAL SPORT

Dungarvan Observer | Friday, 19 December, 2014

Kilmacthomas FC UNDER 11 Ballinroad 0; Kilmac 4. A great display from all the squad and a well deserved victory. The home side were well organised and worked very hard to keep us out. We got the break from a corner Nathan swung in the ball and Alex fired for goal his shot took a defelecrion to beat the keeper. 1-0 at halftime but we soon doubled our lead through Nathan who broke away and shot past the keeper. Nathan added a third before putting a cross in for Alex for his second. Our goalkeeper and defence were outstanding and Ryan Hennessy stood out and held those around him; the midfield worked hard and gave little time on the ball to our opposition. Our thanks to all the parents who have suported the team during the year and we wih everone a very Happy Christmas. We resume our league on the 3rd January at home to De La Salle. UNDER 13 Ballinroad 3; Kilmac 3. The result of the season so far. After leaving in two soft goals the lads took over and

scored three before half-time, two goals from Adam and a magnificent 30 yard screamer for Aiden. The second half was scrappy and they scored a late goal after a huge amount of pressure. A draw was a fair result. Everyone played well in particular Barry, Alan, Mul and Dermot at the back. Our thanks to all the parents who supported us during the year and we wish them all a very Happy Christmas. DIVISION 2 A St. Paul's 0; Kilmac 4. St. Pauls proved to be very hard to break down as we expected as we were held scoreless until half-time. We had some half chances but were unable to make the break through. The second half saw the lads get on top and two goals from Crocky and a goal from Eoin and Martin Sutton saw us safely home. St. Paul's played to the final whistle but our defence stood firm. The clean sheet was an added bonus and so we go into the new year looking forward to games with confidence. Well done to everyone.

VIDEO AVAILABLE Copies of the Wall Warriors v Keating Kittens are now available please contact Mary Walsh or Johnny Power for your copy. The video contain in depth analysis at half time from both team managers. They are very good value at €10. ACADEMY SOCCER We finished our sessions on Saturday and we would like to thank all the players and parents who gave their time during the year. We will resume training on the 3rd of January we look forward to seeing everyone on the pitch again. We have some very exciting player who will be making the step up to league football in August. LOTTO Letters drawn were: F, Q, V, Z. No winner. 5 x €20 winners: Trevor Whelan, P.P.I; Nicky Butler, Craughaun View; Saoirse, Rian, Paddy Hayes, The Pike; Aisling Hally, Newtown; Lynsey O’Connell, Clonea. Christmas draw: Lar Kent, Kilmacthomas; Thomas Roche, Killerguile; John Houlihan, Crough, Lemybrien.

Manchester United Supporters Club – Waterford Branch LIVERPOOL SEEN OFF WITH EASE All the tripe that has been coming from Liverpool supporters for the last 12 months was well and truly rammed down their throats by a rampant United side who put Liverpool to the sword in a sweet victory gained at "The Theatre of Dreams" in no uncertain fashion. People may point to the fact that De Gea was man of the match and deservedly so but as our chairman put it so eloquently "that’s what he gets paid for, Rooney, Mata and Van Persie get paid to score goals and all three ticked the boxes on Sunday", to run out easy 3-0 victors. The win cemented our intentions of a swift return to the Champions league at a minimum by the end of the season. The victory was really sweet and ALL the social media sites were very quiet on Sunday night from

the red half of merseyside (for a change). CHRISTMAS DRAW THIS FRIDAY NIGHT This Friday night in Dillon's bar three lucky people will win our annual draw prizes of: FIRST PRIZE: A TRIP FOR TWO TO OLD TRAFFORD OR 500 EURO (kindly part sponsored by Dillon's bar) SECOND PRIZE: A TURKEY AND HAM (kindly sponsored by Kiely's Butchers Michael Street and Lisduggan Shopping Centre, Waterford) THIRD PRIZE: A CHRISTMAS HAMPER (kindly sponsored by Garvey's Super Valu). Any members who have tickets sold or unsold are requested to have them to the secretary no later than Thursday evening. Please contact on 087 1940089 to arrange please. The draw will take place at around 9-10 p.m. when the lucky winners

will be contacted on the night where a number has been supplied and ALL are invited to attend the draw. To all our sponsors we say thank you very much and without their help the draw would not be a success. We will be donating a portion of the proceeds to the Waterford Hospice as soon as a total is known. BUSY SCHEDULE AHEAD OVER CHRISTMAS AND NEW YEAR The fixtures will be thick and fast over the holiday period and usually at the end of it the league starts to take a proper shape. United currently occupy third spot and hope to be at least in that position come the start of 2015. United are on LIVE on SETANTA/BT Sport on St. Stephen's Day and as always the branch flag will be flying in Dillon's Bar our newly designated bar where you can see every United match live!!

Christmas cheer at Finisk River Riders S.O.C. Gymkhana THE annual Christmas gymkhana is in its third year and every member of the club came out with family and friends. There were five groups competing and it was an early start with the first group entering the arena at 10.30. We had two judges Philippa McKelvie and Maeve Ann Moynihan who had the difficult task of scoring both on the riders skill in coordinat-

ing the course and the riding of a clear round. RESULTS Group 1: First: David Tobin. Joint Second: Eileen Haze and Fiona Mullins. Fourth: Christopher Sealy. Fifth: Imelda Clynch. Group 2: Joint First: Eoin Phelan and Connie O’Grady. Third: Patrick Looby. Group 3: First: Desmond Curran. Second: Michael Landers. Third: Elaine Martin

Fourth: Steven Power Group 4: First: Aine Supple. Second Claire Browne. Third. Aoife Buckley. Fourth. Michael Horgan. Fifth. Davina Power. Group 5: Joint First Lauran Wall. Second. Liam Mahoney. Third. Laura Lanigan. Fourth. Ann Haven. Big thanks to all our volunteers Eithne, Natalie, Jane, Ann Maire Edna and Therese.

Pictured is Dungarvan Utd FC U-13A Squad who were victorious against Johnville on Saturday last.

Dungarvan United FC SANTA CAMP Fancy two days child free Christmas Shopping? Well SANTA CAMP is for you! 22nd and 23rd December 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. €20 per child! Fun Festive Football! Qualified, Garda vetted coaches....,don't delay and BOOK TODAY! 086 886 5829. CHRISTMAS BAG PACK Calling all club members, players, managers, coaches, parents and supporters!! WE NEED YOUR HELP PLEASE! The Dunnes Christmas bag pack is the biggest club fundraiser and events like this help us keep our costs to members as low as possible. Please spare 2 hours over 22nd and 23rd December between 9 a.m. and 6 p.m. to help lighten the load to others! All help is greatly appreciated. Call or text 086 886 5829. ACADEMY CHRISTMAS PARTY! He's making his list..... He's checking it twice.... He's gonna find out who's naughty or nice! Santa Claus is coming to Kilrush! Our Academy Party will take place on Saturday, 20th December starting with a joint session for ALL GROUPS at 1 p.m. followed by a party and some fun in the club house until 3 p.m. Parents are asked if possible to being sandwiches, buns or tray bakes to the clubhouse from 12.30 p.m. Many thanks. U-13A League YOUNG BLUES WIN AGAIN Dungarvan 3; Johnville 1 On Saturday last our U13A side played host to Johnville at Kilrush Park. We came into this game off the back of a 5-0 win over De La Salle in our last game and our lads were determined to keep this good form going. We started off the game with some good possession football knocking the ball around comfortably and playing from the back which was

lovely to watch. Michael Power created a good few chances but our efforts were struck straight at the Johnville keeper. After 15 minutes we broke the dead lock when Michael Power skipped past the Johnville full back and crossed in a beautiful ball which Jack O Floinn met on the volley to put us in the lead. After this we laid off the pressure and let Johnville attack us, but they were no match for our defence of Adam Ashraf, Ben Kavanagh, Jack Donnelly and Molly Shrubb. Just before half time we doubled our lead from a Jack Donnelly free kick. The free was 30 yards out and at a very tight angle but Jack managed to curl it into the goal which was probably one of the best goals we have scored this season so far. We went into the interval with a 2-0 lead. In the second half we relaxed a bit. We let Johnville attack us a lot in the 2nd half but our defence proved too strong. Sam Uniacke and Jack O Floinn were a thorn in the side of Johnville throughout the game. Micheal Power had a great chance to increase our lead when he found himself 1 on 1 with the keeper but his shot was just narrowly wide. Nioclas Breathnach was a dominant figure in centre field as he bossed the game for us at times. We got a bit too relaxed with 15 minutes to go as Johnville pulled one back

to make it a nervy few last minutes, but Jack O Floinn quickly settled the nerves shortly after Johnville scored Jack ran the line beating 2 players and hit a shot from the edge of the box which found its way into the top corner of the net. We had to play the last few minutes of the game with 10 men as Jack Donnelly got injured and we had used all our subs so we could not replace him, but we held on to take all 3 points. MAN OF THE MATCH There were a few stand out performances on Saturday but one that really stood out for me was Jack Donnelly. It's not easy to adapt to a new position. Jack was our midfielder but in the last couple of games we had to play him at centre half and he is performing magnificently in there and proving to be a dominant figure. Our next league game is away to Villa on the 3rd January. Well done to all the players. Squad: Dylan Cliffe, Adam Ashraf, Ben Kavanagh, Jack Donnelly, Molly Schrubb, Jack O Floinn (Captain), Kacper Zajac, Nioclas Breathnach, Sam Uniacke, Michael Power, Artur Trziack, Alex Shanahan, Martin McDonadgh, Cameron MaGuire.

DUNGARVAN UTD MOVE TO SECOND IN THE FIRST DIVISION LEAGUE Dungarvan 6; Tramore Rangers 1 On Saturday last our 1A side travelled to Tramore to take on Tramore Rangers in the league. The Blues' last game saw them bow out of

the national cup, but they were determined to make amends on Saturday. Tramore Rangers were close in the table to Dungarvan but our lads proved to be too strong. Goals from Lee Mulhearne, Shane Lannon, Gavin Crotty, Petr Goch and two from Mark Ferncombe gave the blues a comfortable win. Dungarvan are now second in the League, level on points with Portlaw who are top. The Blues now face Bohemians away on Saturday night. Bohs came down from the Premier last season and will prove to be a hard test for the Blues. Well done to all the players and coaches on a great win. FIXTURES Saturday, 20-12-14 U-12B Home to Bohs at 10.30 a.m. in the main pitch U-14A away to Carrick at 12.15 p.m. U-14C home to De La Salle at 12.15 p.m. U-16A away to Carrick at 2.30 p.m. 2A away to Mooncoin at 2 pm 1A away to Bohs at 5 p.m. Sunday, 21.12.14 Youths away to Kilmacow at 2 pm 1A away to Piltown Munster Junior Cup at 11 a.m. CLUB LOTTO Winning numbers were 10, 28, 36. No jackpot winner. €100 winner: Sean Whelan Power. Next week’s jackpot is €4,650. Please support.

Attending the Dungarvan United FC senior citizens Christmas Party which was very well attended and enjoyed by all recently.


SPORT

Dungarvan Observer | Friday, 19 December, 2014

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Ballinroad AFC

Pictured at Youghal Golf Club for the start of the annual drive-in are the officers for the 2015 season: Philip Crowe, Captain, Breeda Fitzgerald, Lady Captain, and Peter Murray, President. The officers are looking forward to a great year of golf and hope that everyone that visits the club will have a wonderful experience of what Youghal Golf is about. [John Hennessy]

Stradbally FC SENIOR TEAM TOP OF THE LEAGUE A 2-0 victory away to Red Star, with goals from Paddy Kiely and Robert Finn, keeps Stradbally at the top end of the league table as the Yuletide Season approaches. The Under 11 team are in a similar position following an emphatic victory over Portlaw on Saturday. ASTRO TURF Astro Turf Pitch is available to hire. Contact Tadhg for time slot availability. KIRBY SCHOOL Kirby School of Performing Arts are performing their Christmas Extravaganza Show in St. Mary’s Primary Hall, Dungarvan next Saturday at 7.30 p.m. Join them for a wonderful evenings entertainment from their students and guests. Bookings from Edgar & Jessie at 087 1508928. CHRISTMAS DAY SWIM The Christmas Day Swim in Stradbally Cove is always eagerly awaited by swimmers and non swimmers, locals and visitors alike. Organised annually by Stradbally Soccer Club, the proceeds raised go to a different nominated Worthy Cause each year. This time the recipient is

The Bonmahon Lifeboat. Sponsorship cards are available in the local outlets or you can come along on the day and make a contribution. Santa will make a Special Appearance to rattle the bucket and aprés swim liquid refreshments will be available for all. Great fun guaranteed. See you there at 12 noon on Christmas Day. MARRIED V SINGLES On St. Stephen’s Day the traditional Married versus Single Soccer Match takes place in Stradbally. Run off some of those calories. All are welcome. Kick-off at 2 p.m. LOTTO There was no Jackpot winner at the December 14th Lotto Draw. Numbers were 5, 7, 14, 21. €25 to Olive Curran, Fr. R. Geoghegan, Tomás Power. Promoter’s prizewinner was Theresa Hurton. As it was the last draw before Christmas there were some additional prizes and we thank those companies who kindly sponsored them. Glanbia (Durrow Branch) voucher: Helen Aherne, Ballykerogue. Farm Relief Service (Kilmacthomas) voucher: Ann

O'Sullivan, Colligan. Magnum of Juices from John Lynch Greengrocer, Dungarvan Shopping Centre: Paddy Joe Carey, Rockville. Bottle of whiskey: Claire Crowley, Ballydwan. The next draw is on December 28th in O'Mahony's, Durrow with a jackpot prize of €2,200. Thanks to all our promoters and especially, ticket buyers who loyally support the Lotto over the year. SPECIAL MENTION Special mention to staunchly loyal club player and member Damien Sheehan who celebrated his 21st birthday recently. No bog standard celebrations for our Damian, oh no. He chartered a coach to bring him and his entourage to the Man United v Liverpool game last Saturday. With Paddy Joe as Valetin-Chief, his every whim was granted, including of course the final scoreline. The news that, despite his absence, Stradbally had won versus Red Star, only added to the celebrations. Happy Birthday, Damian! Happy Christmas to all from us at Stradbally Soccer Club.

Waterford Schoolboys’ Football League Fixtures Fixtures Saturday, December 20th Under 12 League (Kick off 10.30 a.m. unless otherwise stated) U-12A De La Salle v Ballinroad A (Johnville) Ferrybank A v Carrick Utd A (Tramore) Tramore A v Southend Utd A (Park Rangers) Villa A v Johnville (Ferrybank) U-12B Villa B v Piltown A (Kilmacow) Dungarvan Utd v Bohemians A (Railway Ath) Mooncoin Celtic v Park Rangers (Bohemians) Portlaw Utd v Carrick Utd B (Mooncoin) U-12C Ballyduff v Kilmacthomas (W. Crystal) Railway Athletic v Ferrybank B (Stradbally) U-12D Piltown B v Bohemians B (Portlaw) Seaview Celtic v Ballinroad B (Ballyduff) Saturday, December 20th Under 14 League (Kick off 12.15 p.m. unless otherwise stated) U-14A Southend Utd v Villa A (Ferrybank)

Bohemians A v Ferrybank A (Villa) 12.30 pm Carrick Utd A v Dungarvan Utd A (Portlaw) Kilmacow v Tramore A (Southend) U-14B Ballinroad v Ferrybank B (Dungarvan) Piltown v Portlaw Utd (Carrick Utd) Johnville v St. Pauls (De La Salle) Park Rangers v Kilmacthomas (St. Saviours) U-14C Bohemians B v Ferrybank C (St. Pauls) 10.30 am Carrick Utd B v Villa B (Piltown) 10.30 am Dungarvan Utd B v De La Salle (Kilmacthomas) Railway Athletic v Tramore B (Ballinroad) Saturday, December 20th Under 16 League U-16A Ballinroad v Tramore A (Dungarvan) Bohemians v Villa A (Seaview) Carrick Utd v Dungarvan Utd A (Piltown) Ferrybank A v Villa B (Bohemians) U-16B St. Saviours v Kilmacow (Southend) Railway Athletic v Piltown (Ballinroad) Ferrybank B v Portlaw Utd (Kilmacow) 12.30 pm Tramore B v Villa C (Park Rangers)

2A LEAGUE Ballinroad 4; Crusaders 4 On Sunday last, Ballinroad played at home to Crusaders. Ballinroad out passed the away side and were unfortunate to go a goal down before the break. After the break Ballinroad started passing the ball around with Lennon, Ryan, N. Dee and Flynn creating many chances for the home side. Ballinroad fell two behind against the run of play on 55 minutes. The introduction of Damien Dee after a lengthy injury lay off on the hour mark changed things for Ballinroad. The home side pulled a goal back through a free kick from Flynn. Damien Dee started to pull the strings in the centre of midfield and created the chance for Lennon to round the keeper and level the match. Ballinroad conceded a goal again from a set piece however, it didn't break their spirit. A well worked free kick ended with Ryan finishing to level the game once more. Ballinroad kept pressuring the Crusaders defence and took the lead with five minutes of play through Flynn. However, Crusaders had enough time to share the points as a last minute penalty equalised the match. TEAM: A. O’Riordan, D. Henley, J. Joyce, F. Walsh, B. O’Shea, C. McCarthy, J. Ryan, N. Dee, P. Lennon, C. Power, G. Flynn. Subs: D. Dee, T. Daly, R. Hayes, B. McGinn, F. Fraher. Ballinroad 3; Kilmac 3. After beating league leaders Bohs down In Bohs we were very disappointed to drop two points at home to Kilmac. This was our local derby and no disrespect to Kilmac but if we want to reach the A league and stay there we need to be winning these games. We were without the services of midfield general

Ballinroad captain D. J. Kiely and Kilmac captain Adam O'Dwyer with Referee Sean Dwyer before kick-off. Daire Slevin through injury and we decided to give a few lads that hadn't started games recently a chance to shine. Eoin Flynn started up front and scored our first goal and his first of the season when he rounded the keeper and calmly passed the ball into the net. Ben O’Donovan put us 2 up on the fifteenth minute when he finished with a cool head after being put through with a lovely pass from Alec Norris. We were two up and looked in control with 20 minutes gone and suddenly things changed for the worse when Kilmac hit us with three goals in 8 minutes. Sean in goal had no chance with any of their goals and their second was something special, a beautifully hit strike from 20 yards that went into the top corner of the net. We were

stunned and half-time couldn't come fast enough for us. Frankie De Paoir, Kavanagh was having his best game in the green jersey for a long time on the left hand side of midfield but had to be sacrificed to get regular left back Jack Riordan onto the pitch before we went even more behind in what was a tactical change. Not for the first time this season we went into the break one goal down after throwing away a two goal lead. We settled down in the second half and started to dominate the game again and 15 minutes in James Cowler ran past two defenders and nutmegged the Kilmac keeper to make it three all. We had all the ball and our keeper Sean had a very quiet second half but we couldn't get the winner that we

deserved and this derby finished three all. As a team we have a long way to go to be good enough to compete against the big teams in the A league and can't afford to switch off like we did in this game when were leading. On a positive note Eoin, Frankie and James played their best games so far this season and even though we won't win this league we will go into the cup in the new year hoping to go all the way. Myself, James and Christy would like to wish all the players and parents a Happy Christmas. Sean O’Sullivan, Rian Hogan, Colin Foley, Niall Buckley, Daniel Treen, Tony Dwyer, Jack Riordan, Alec Norris, D. J. Kiely (capt) Ben O’Donovan, Frankie De Paoir Kavanagh, Tadhg Collins, Eoin Flynn, James Cowler.

Cappoquin FC U-14 GIRLS This week the U14 girls travelled away to Ferrybank with only 10 players for an 11-a-side league game. Despite being numerically disadvantaged the girls were hopeful to take something from the game so as to continue their good run for the season so far. Cappoquin started the game strong and had the best chances in the first ten minutes with Claragh coming close before Mairead hit the post, the game was then stopped when a Ferrybank player received a very serious injury following a 50/50 clash with the Cappoquin Keeper. The game was then held up for 40 minutes while we awaited an ambulance to remove the injured player. From the restart Ferrybank looked stronger and more physical and used their numeric advantage well before scoring the only goal of the first half. For the second half now under pressure, a goal down and a player less, Cappoquin pushed Mairead up front, this proved to be a game changer as once in possession she cut through the Ferrybank defence on a number of occa-

sions causing them all sorts of problems before a Ferrybank defender took her out inside the box in front of goal as she was about to pull the trigger. The referee had no option but to reward the penalty. Mary Kate stepped up to take the penalty and made no mistake in claiming a well deserved equaliser but the Cappoquin celebrations were put on hold as Mairead was unable to continue due to the seriousness of the injury she received during the foul blow before the penalty and the Cappoquin girls were now down to 9 players against 11 with at least ten minutes to go. The girls did battle bravely to hold on but Ferrybank now with the numbers pushed forward into attack and eventually broke down the Cappoquin defence to score their second and the game decider. This was the first defeat of the season for these girls and they were very disappointed especially after putting in such an effort during the game, but the full team on the day should be very proud of their performance, their effort and dis-

cipline despite the numeric disadvantage, well-done girls. We wish Ferrybank well as the league continues and hope that their injured player as well as our own Mairead make a full and speedy recovery and are back playing very soon. Ferrybank 2 - 1 Cappoquin FC. Scores on the day were Mary Kate Curran 1 (Pen). The team lined out as follow - 1. Shauna Fraher, 2. Ailbhe McCann, 3. Cathryn O’Brien, 4. Ella Ronayne, 5. Rachel Horsom, 6. Claragh McCann , 7. Mary Kate Curran, 8. Mairead O’Brien, 9. Aislinn Cahillane, 10. Rachel O’Brien. TRAINING SCHEDULE U-18 Girls Monday 7.30 p.m. U-12 & 14 Girls Tuesday 7.00 p.m. U-11 & 12 & 14 Boys Thursday 7.00 p.m. Junior Men Wednesday and Friday 7.30 p.m. We are currently recruiting new players for this season, both boys and girls of all ages so if interested please come along and give it a try, all are very welcome.


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CHRISTMAS PARTY The club's Christmas party took place in Minnies last Saturday night and what a super night out it was. There was a great turnout and everybody thoroughly enjoyed themselves. Hats off to Beanie, Liam and all involved in organising the night. Many thanks to our club sponsor Minnie's for looking after us. Special thanks to our sponsors and friends who donated a large number of spot prizes. Thanks also to Bon's Appetit Catering for the terrific food. It was nice to see new members and some old faces swapping tales and some serious shapes been thrown on the dancefloor. WEEKEND SPINS Most people allowed themselves some recovery on Sunday but there were a few hardy bucks out sweating out the badness. The Rás lads weren't going to let a few large bottles interrupt their preparations. A lot of people, including Group 4, got their spins out of the way on Saturday morning.

GENERAL SPORT

To be informed of Sunday’s routes please check the Facebook page on Saturdays or send an email to: updates@dungarvancc.com requesting to be added to the list to receive the routes. Club spins leave at 9.30, from John Foley’s Kilrush on Saturdays, and The Square on Sundays. 2015 REGISTRATIONS Cycling Ireland registration is currently OPEN for 2015. Many thanks to all those that have registered online so far. This coming year, both CI licence fee and DCC fee may be paid online as one transaction. Existing members are invited to renew and new members may register to join both cycling Ireland and DCC. Go to www.cyclingireland.ie. For members unfamiliar with onlining, we will be holding a registration afternoon/evening within the next few weeks. Details here when available. Please note that if you are new to cycling with us,

you are very welcome for three club spins, and after that you are asked join Cycling Ireland and DCC if you enjoy the experience. ANNUAL LIONS CLUB SPIN Next Sunday, December 21st, DCC will be having the annual bucket collection prior to our normal spins. Proceeds will go to the Lions Club Hamper Appeal. Did we say normal spins? Not really normal, actually, because we will be hoping for a few Santa hats, outfits & novelty wear (without compromising bike safety). Routes will be posted as usual towards the weekend. CYCLING QUOTE “My biggest fear is that when I die my wife will sell my bicycles for what I told her they cost." CONTACT US You will find loads of updates, tips, and commentary on the club’s facebook page and on the club website dungarvancc.com. If you have anything you’d like me to report please email seanoduibhir@gmail.com

Cappoquin Snooker & Billiards Club MUNSTER CHAMPIONSHIPS 2015 We are currently practising for this season’s Munster championship finals which will again go ahead in Killarney in January. The lads have been busy as they prepare for another weekend of snooker and craic as is the norm when we travel down. Let’s hope they do as well as last year and come out of their group which they are well capable of and who knows from there. Best of luck lads McCONNELL FITNESS LEAGUE Our first tournament is under way with our McConnell Fitness league. This year we have ten players in two groups of five. Group A sees Brendan Walsh, Rhiney Walsh, Ben O’Keeffe, Killian O’Sullivan and Pat Fitzgerald battle it out for the top two places that would see them into the semi-finals. In group B we will see Michael Casey, Martin Reddy, Darren Mason, John McGrath and Alex Hennebry

scrap it out for the remaining two semi-final spots. Some interesting snooker ahead with group A definitely the group of death. MASON MORTGAGES & FINANCIAL SERVICES DOUBLES TOURNAMENT Entries are now being taken for our doubles tournament and will close on December 23rd at 9 p.m. sharp. Again this proves to be a very exciting tournament each season and we ask as many members as possible to enter. Our thanks to Mark Mason for his continued support of this tournament. CLUB MEMBERSHIP Our club membership is the same as the last number of seasons with Adults €30 and Youths €20. Membership has been a bit slow at the moment so we ask our regulars to sort this out over the coming weeks please. SYMPATHY EXTENDED We would like to offer our condolences to the Prendergast family Main St., Cappoquin on the passing of

Johnny Prendergast last week. Johnny's Grandson Conor is a former member of our club. May he rest in peace. NIGHT DUTY Monday 22nd Michael Casey/Darren Mason. Tuesday 23rd Paddy Mason/Martin McCarthy. MERRY CHRISTMAS We would like to wish all our members, sponsors and supporters of our club a very happy Christmas and a prosperous new year. NEW MEMBERS WELCOME As we enter our new season we would like to send out a welcome to anybody who may be interested in playing snooker to come in and have a few games. There is no pressure on anybody to join up and everyone is welcome to come in and play a few games. We would especially like to see some of our older members coming back to the club and get things going like they were when we re-opened some years ago.

Dungarvan Observer | Friday, 19 December, 2014

Dungarvan's Alan Crowley takes on the Charleville defence during the Martin O'Sullivan Cup Final at Fermoy Rugby Club. [Dan McGrath/Editorial Images]

Dungarvan Rugby Club CUP HEARTBREAK The Dungarvan 1st XV travelled to Fermoy to play Charleville in the Martin O'Sullivan Cup Final last Sunday. Weather conditions were far from perfect as the players were met with both rain and a cross field wind as they arrived onto the pitch for the kick off. Previously unbeaten in competitive action this season, Dungarvan travelled with some confidence to the North Cork venue. However, they were given an early wake up call in the first minute when Charleville's Shane Corkery kicked over a penalty. Dungarvan looked to break down their opponents with every chance, Seamus Keating was putting the Corkmen on the back foot by kicking into the corner. On ten minutes, the sides were level when Keating kicked a penalty. However, this wasn't long lived, as Charleville roared into action and scored a try in the corner. Corkery missed the conversion to leave the score at 8-3. Seamus Keating added a penalty before the break to leave only two points between the teams at the interval. The Dungarvan team came out fighting in the second half and were in control for much of the half. Alan Crowley, Martin Houlihan and Richie Laffan continued to penetrate the Charleville defence. Dungarvan had opportunities to cross the line but solid cover by the north Cork side denied any additions to the score board. All fifteen on the pitch looked to make the break though and gave 100% to the cause.

Dungarvan's Ed Flavin takes on the Charleville defence during the Martin O'Sullivan Cup Final at Fermoy Rugby Club. [Dan McGrath/Editorial Images] On the day, conditions didn't suit Dungarvan's running game but this didn't deter the team as they tried to the end to get the score which would end the 27 year wait for silver wear. Luck was against them on the day. The team will now have to regroup and prepare for their return to league action after Christmas. They have three games left to play in the league and face both Sunday's rivals and Douglas, who are also in the hunt for the league title. Thanks to all the supporters who made the journey to Fermoy, including those who had travelled from Carrick after the Under 18 game. BAG PACK The club would like to

thank Garvey's Supervalu for the opportunity to do the bag pack in the lead up to Christmas. All members are asked to help out and check with their coaches about their designated time. MUNSTER Munster suffered their first back to back defeats in their european cup history as they went down in France to Clermont. We knew they needed a big performance if they were going to stay in this year's Tournament. Unlike the previous weekend, when they fell asleep for the opening ten minutes, it was Munster who were on the front foot and went into an early lead and were only inches short of the line. However, a few mistakes

allowed the Frenchmen in fortries and they seemed in total control and coasting to victory. A late rally by Munster, saw them score 10 points without reply and secure a loosing bonus point, which may be vital come January. It keeps an interest in the competition but they will need two big wins against their English opponents to get into the last eight. The A team led by Waterford's Jack O'Donoghue had a 35-13 win away to Mosley in the B&I Cup and secured a place in the knock out stages of the tournament. The sides were all square at the break 13-13 but the Munster men scored 22 unanswered points after the break to clinch their spot.

Motorsport Ireland Weekend Round-up

West Waterford Golf Club, Club Singles. Pat Murray, President presents the winner Des Cleary with his prize. Included is Michael Lawlor, runner-up. [Sean Byrne//Deise Sport]

FERGIL Gregory scored his second win of the season by getting the verdict on a tiebreak in the GSMC O'Gorman Cup Sporting Trial at Brittas. After twelve sections, both he and Morgan Evans were level on 18 marks lost, with Gregory coming out the better by having stayed penalty free

through six sections against his rival's four. In a very close finish, two more drivers were within a single mark of victory, with John O'Reilly just shading Robin Taylor for third place, also on a tie-break. Le Mann Driver Matt Griffin was announced as International Driver of the

Year at the recent Dunlop Motorsport Ireland Awards. Johnny McMullan won the Dunlop Sexton Trophy and Dean Raftery won the prestigious Billy Coleman Award at the Awards Ceremony. The Ivan Webb Memorial award for Most Outstanding Contribution to Irish Motorsport went to Pat

O’Dowd from Wexford Motor Club who has been an integral part of the Irish motorsport community for many years. The JC Millard Memorial Award for Clubman of the Year went to Seamus Anderson from Mullinavat, Co. Kilkenny, for his contribution to the sport.


Dungarvan Observer | Friday, 19 December, 2014

GENERAL SPORT

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Talking Horses Squared Financial announced as sponsor of Grade 1 Christmas Hurdle

Upcoming Racing Fixtures Dundalk – Friday, 19th December (First Race 6.10) Fairyhouse - Saturday, 20th December (First Race 12.05) Thurles – Sunday, 21st December (Frist Race 12.20)

Tramore double for Ruby

SQUARED Financial Services Limited are to sponsor the Grade 1 Christmas Hurdle which is run on December 28th, Day three of the Christmas Festival. The Squared Financial Christmas Hurdle race is one of the top three mile hurdle fixtures in the National Hunt calendar and a key stepping stone for many horses on the road to Cheltenham. It is the second Grade 1 on the card on December 28th, the feature being the €150,000 Lexus Chase.

RUBY Walsh made the most of his trip to Tramore on Saturday where he rode two winners from just two rides. The Willie Mullins-trained Valyssa Monterg had disappointed on her Irish debut at Thurles but she made no mistake at the second time of asking in the mares’ maiden hurdle. Cappacurry Zak, trained by Leslie Young, completed the double with a comfortable success in the 2m5f maiden hurdle and the winning handler is set to put the five-year-old over fences in the near future. Robbie McNamara rode his first winner since turning professional when bringing Bothair Clei with a late run to land the beginners’ chase for trainer Daniel Murphy. The locally-trained Budtairis, a full brother to the smart chaser Moscow Mannon, took the 2m5f handicap hurdle for Henry de Bromhead and Andrew Lynch. Brien Hayes was on board Miss Faithful who won the 2m handicap hurdle for trainer Peter McCreery. Amateur riders Declan Queally and Nina Carberry both rode winners. Queally scored a runaway success on the James Dullea-trained West Of The Edge in the 2m6f handicap chase while Carberry took the bumper on Altepix, another winner for high-flying Gordon Elliott.

Kimbay wins again at Dundalk KIMBAY, trained by Noel Lawlor and ridden by Rory Cleary, continues her love affair with Dundalk and she recorded her third course success when taking the 5f handicap on Friday. A winner of a mark of 52 in September, she was winning off 71 this time around. Fran Berry rode two winners on the night, taking the 6f maiden on the Charles O’Brien-trained Sgt Rock and the 7f handicap on Shabra Emperor, trained by Anthony McCann. Michael O’Callaghan’s filly Clutchingatstraws ran out a good winner of the fillies’ maiden. Ridden by Emmet McNamara, she won by two lengths and will now go handicapping. The apprentice handicap was won by the Leigh Rocheridden Twistsandturns who won for trainer Pat Flynn. Curragh trainer Tracey Collins was on the mark with Captain Joy who took the 7f handicap under Joseph O’Brien while Declan McDonogh partnered Andy Slattery’s Sharjah to success in the 10f handicap.

Double for Queally at Boulta Lots Of Memories and Paul Townend clear the last to win the Irish Stallion Farms EBF Beginners Chase Navan.

[Patrick McCann]

Elliott and Geraghty the Navan heroes GORDON Elliott and Barry Geraghty teamed up to win the €37,500 Grade 2 Navan Novice Hurdle with No More Heroes at Navan on Sunday. The fiveyear-old readily outpointed the gambled-on Shaneshill to win in fine style and while immediate plans are uncertain, the Albert Bartlett Hurdle at Cheltenham in March is firmly on the agenda. The Charles Byrnes-trained Lite Duties landed his third handicap ina-row with a convincing success under Phillip Enright in the Grade B Tara

Hurdle. Both races over fences threw up impressive winners. Lots Of Memories remains a promising type and he won the beginners’ chase in convincing fashion for Paul Fahey and Paul Townend. With Noel McParlan again in the saddle, Mount Colah took the Foxrock Handicap Chase for trainer Jerry Cosgrave and he too could go on to better things. After their success at Tramore the previous day, Henry de Bromhead and Andrew Lynch were back in the winners’ enclo-

sure when Domesday Book landed the maiden hurdle. Shabra’s Bertolini gave trainer Anthony McCann his second winner in 48 hours when taking the 2m handicap hurdle, while Sizing Coal landed the rated novice chase for Jim Dreaper and Jonathan Burke. Willie and Patrick Mullins combined to win the Listed bumper with Bordini who was most impressive and is already confirmed as part of the team for the Cheltenham Festival in March.

AT the annual Clonmult/ Dungouney point-to-point fixture on Sunday last, Cappagh jockey Declan Queally followed his Tramore win on Saturday with a double at the Boulta venue. The giant sized Bigbadjohn provided his first win in the second division of the 5 year old geldings maiden. Silent Wish completed Queally’s double in the three-way finish of the 5 year old and upwards maiden. Ballyduff Upper handler Pat O’Connor sent out Grey Rio in the hands of James Hannon to win the adjacent hunts maiden.

Halford maintains Annual Horse Racing Ireland award winners announced healthy Dundalk strike rate ON a night of tight finishes, Michael Halford was on the mark again at Dundalk on Wednesday where he sent out Shannon Soul to win the two-year-old maiden. With Shane Foley in the saddle, Shannon Soul just got the better of his main market rival Solomon Northup to win by a head. In the 12f handicap, the judge couldn’t split Eddie Lynam’s Armed Guard and Well Insured, trained by DJ Barry. Joseph O’Brien and Dylan Hogan were the winning riders. The Johnny Levins-trained Dashwood prevailed by a short-head in the claiming race, Donagh O’Connor’s mount winning from Doc Holliday. Tsar Paul and Ana O’Brien followed up on their win on the previous Friday night with success in the 6f handicap. Conor Hoban and He’s Our Music won the 10f handicap while the remaining handicap on the card, over two furlongs further, went to the Jessica Harrington-trained Elusive Laurence, a second winner on the night for Shane Foley. Vitally Important, trained by Andy Oliver and ridden by Chris Hayes, was the four-and-a-half length winner of the 1m maiden,

SOLE Power, trained by Eddie Lynam, was crowned Horse of the Year at the 12th annual Horse Racing Ireland Awards at Leopardstown Racecourse and Eddie Lynam was also awarded the Flat Award for the first time. Willie Mullins collected the National Hunt Award after a tremendous season where he had 185 domestic winners and was crowned leading trainer at the Cheltenham Festival. Brian Kavanagh, Chief Executive of HRI presented the Contribution to Industry Award to Mick O’Toole, one of Ireland’s leading trainers in the 1970s and the 1980s. Tom Hogan won the Outstanding Achievement Award, which was open to public vote through the HRI Awards App, while Wexford native Jamie Codd received the PointTo-Point Award for the second year in a row. The Racecourse of the Year Award went to Leopardstown Racecourse. It was selected by the Racegoers Consultative Forum based upon the best all-round customer experience. Punchestown Racecourse received the Most Family-Friendly Award in the Special Category awards, while Galway Racecourse was awarded Best Catering and Leopardstown won Best Information Services and Best Entertainment. Winners of the HRI Awards.

[Chris Bellew - Fennell photography]


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CHRISTMAS PARTY (MEMBERS ONLY) The Christmas Party will be held in the Dungarvan Tennis Club on Saturday, 20th December at 7.30 p.m. You can get your tickets from committee members for what is sure to be a fun filled night with Craic agus Ceol. ARDMORE MULLED WINE WALK The Ardmore Mulled Wine walk takes place on Sunday, 21st December. We will meet at 2 pm opposite the Park Hotel, Dungarvan and drive to Curragh Car Park, Ardmore. After the walk, a collection will be made for the Dungarvan Lions Club. SUNDAY 28th CLUB WALKS The B walkers are heading to the Comeraghs, meeting at the TSB car park at 10am. The C walkers are going to Kilmacthomas, meeting at 1300hrs at the TSB car park. Soup and rolls will be served in the Tudor Bar Dungarvan from 1600hrs to all those who complete the walks. NEW YEAR’S DAY WALK On Thursday, 1st January, 2015 (New Year’s Day), the club will walk in the beautiful area of Glenshelane. We will meet opposite the Park Hotel Dungarvan at 1300. Bring along all your left over "goodies" to enjoy after the walk. PLEASE REMEMBER. NO BOOTS, NO WALK CORSICA G20 WALK At the club’s December meeting, club member Liam Connors gave us a most interesting talk/slide show on the Corsica G20 Walk he recently completed. A very challenging undertaking and Liam’s wonderful slides showed us how difficult but amazing this walk was. Well done to Liam.

GENERAL SPORT

Some members of the DHWC took part in the recent SEMRA walk which by all accounts was a huge success and very well organised. Well done to all those who took part. Dungarvan Hillwalking club promises fitness, friendship and fun to its members. Visit www.dungarvanhillwalking.org for more information. Sunday, 7th Dec, 2014 – KNOCKMEALDOWN 5+ hrs With just one short of the dozen we began our walk, under the leadership of Donal O’Mahony, with the ascent up Sugarloaf hill taking a much needed breather at Grubb’s monument, the burial place of Samuel Grubb, a 19th century local landowner. However, we didn’t stop long to admire the splendid views of the Vee valley and Golden vale as the morning temperature was only just above freezing point! Our Dutch visitors, Peter and Esmay displayed fine athleticism reaching the top of the Sugarloaf well ahead of the bunch. Not the gentlest of starts but we were rewarded with a fantastic panoramic view – the Galtee Mountains to the northwest, the Comeraghs to the east and the valley of Slievenamon also visible. At this point we had a significant part of the days climbing done and our route to the highest peak in Waterford, Knockmealdown at a height of 794 metres, was now visible. Following a respectable steady climb in very fresh winds we reached the summit where we were met by a group of hikers from Cork City. Despite the cold temperatures, the bright sunny day afforded us superb views and we took a few moments to

enjoy and contemplate the natural beauty around us. We posed for a few photos by the trig point before beginning the steep descent on the opposite side. We decided to seek shelter from the winds for lunch and dropped to the left down to the ‘teardrop’ lakes. This decent was extremely steep and slippery and proved an arduous task for some of us! The legs were quite shaky and we were glad of the rest by the lake shore and time for much need sustenance!! After lunch we headed on towards the forest dropping down left of the stream where we picked up the ‘Tipperary’ Way. The walk from here involved some tarmac and forest track. Donal advised us that we had about an hours walking to do on this track. However he kept moving the goalpost and that hour seemed interminable to some!! But to give Donal his due he tried to distract us with anecdotes of his encounters with bears and snakes over the years! He also enlightened us with his customary three-minute talk on what fundamental items to carry in our rucksacks at all times. We finally reached the path to St. Declan’s Way where it seemed the time trial began! The end was in sight and the pace kicked in! However we all made it back to the cars in fine spirits and Donal had timed it to perfection as the rain came in just as we sat into the cars! A very enjoyable day was had by all – good climbing, great views and above all great company! Well done to Helen on finishing her first grade ‘B’ walk in fine form and thanks to Donal, our leader, for a great day on the hills.

Dungarvan Observer | Friday, 19 December, 2014

HOLE IN ONE WINNER AT CUNNIGAR PITCH AND PUTT CLUB – This year we had a prize for the most hole in ones during the season. After a nail-biting finish for the most hole in one's in club competition for 2014, it came down to Michael Havens and Patsy Hackett who had 3 each. It went to a shootout with Michael winning on the 18th green.

WOMEN’S HOLE IN ONE WINNER AT CUNNIGAR PITCH AND PUTT CLUB – The women’s hole in one competition saw Breda Foley, Maureen Power and Lorraine Troy battling it out to be the 2014 winner and in the end it was Lorraine who was the victorious winner. Well done Lorraine for 2014.

Cunnigar Pitch & Putt Club

Club members who took part in the walk in the Knockmealdowns on Sunday, 7th December.

WEDNESDAY WINNERS Nett: Maureen Power, Olivere Walsh. Gross: Lorraine Troy, Breda O'Donnell. CHRISTMAS TURKEY SATURDAY TOURNAMENT Names to be in by 1.00 p.m. Tee off 1.30 p.m. Nett: Maureen Power, Michael Havens, Patsy Hackett. Gross: Jacinta O'Mahoney, Liam Simms, Aiden Murray. CHRISTMAS GAME Our Christmas game was held on Sunday, 14th December. Winners were – 1st Nett: Jacinta O'Mahoney, Evellyn Torrens, Patsy

Hackett. 1st Gross: Corinne McGee, Aiden Murray. 2nd Nett: Mary Lynch, Breda Foley, Liam Simms. 2nd Gross: Maureen Power, Marie Forde, Michael Ahearne. HOLE IN ONE This year we had a prize for the most hole in ones during the season. After a nailbiting finish for the most hole in one's in club competition for 2014, it came down to Michael Havens and Patsy Hackett who had 3 each. It went to a shootout with Michael winning on the 18th green. Well done to Michael being the men's winner of 2014. Also the women’s hole in

one competition saw Breda Foley, Maureen Power and Lorraine Troy battling it out to be the 2014 winner and in the end it was Lorraine who was the victorious winner. Well done Lorraine for 2014. BONUS NUMBER Bonus number this week is 44. There was no winner this week. COUNTY BOARD A.G.M. 12th January, 2015 Cunnigar 7.00 p.m. PITCH MARKS Leaving Pitch Marks when playing destroys the greens. It takes a lot of care and attention to keep them in pristine condition. So all members and green

fees are asked to repair them and use the correct repairer when doing so. If anyone has an hour or two Mondays to Fridays to spare to give a hand helping on the course you would be very welcome. The gardening committee will be working on the course every Tuesday at 2.30 p.m. Any help would be gratefully appreciated. DID YOU KNOW? All club procedures are run in accordance of PPUI rules. All monies must be paid before names are sent to P.P.U.I. for competitions. Club jumpers, tee shirts and caps and gloves are for sale in clubhouse.

An Evening with Trevor Woods Winter Training and Sports Nutrition

Our Dutch visitors, Peter and Esmay who joined us on our walk in the Knockmealdowns on Sunday, 7th December.

THE new South Coast Triathlon Club in Youghal, will host an evening with Trevor Woods on Winter Training and Sports Nutrition at The Red Store on Thursday, January 15th at 8.00 p.m. It is open to all sports and abilities - promises to be interesting as Trevor is probably the best in his field, working at UCC and is no stranger to these parts, he won the Youghal Triathlon over 5 times in the noughties.

Topics addressed will include: Base Training, Winter Training and a session on Nutrition. Trevor works as an Exercise Physiologist in UCC. His talks benefit athletes of all disciplines including swimmers, cyclists and runners. The evening costs €5 and all are welcome but places are limited. Details on our website: www.southcoast.club


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