by Kathleen Mullane

Bits and Pieces

Well, on Saturday last there wasn’t much time for ‘outdoor photo’s as everyone started to gather in the wet and blustery conditions for the 1^st Holy Communion in our parish church. Photographers had to take photos in the entrance hall of the church. The mass was con-celebrated by Fr. Paddy Bowen and Canon Kelly and it was indeed a lovely ceremony. The school choir sang beautifully – led by their teacher Mrs Lynch. All the 1^st Communion boys and girls had a part to play in this their ‘very special day’ and they all played their part exceptionally not making a single mistake. Many visitors to the parish were amazed by the organisation of the entire ceremony and also by its meaningfulness. Michelle Kearney the class teacher was presented with a bouquet of flowers by her class and Fr. Bowen also received a ‘thank you’ gift from the boys and girls. Despite the weather it was a lovely day for parents, grandparents, relatives and friends. We congratulate everyone involved who made the day the reverent day that it was, and especially the girls and boys who did themselves, their parents and their teachers proud.

Well, an update on our ‘Scrap Fundraiser’ or should I say “Your Fundraiser”, as it’s your Hall. Well done to each and every one of you who, so far, have donated to us – both small loads and big heavy loads – we are really appreciative of everything. We had a meeting last Wednesday and have a further follow-up meeting tonight Wednesday as we throw out ideas on further fund-raising ventures to lessen the debt on the hall. We really want to make a final huge appeal to everyone inside and outside the parish- if you have any old cars or any scrap whatsoever, to please let us have it. The hall will be there hopefully for your children for many years to come – it will keep them off the street – as they use it for basketball, indoor soccer, school games, drama, dancing, birthday parties and much, much more. To date we have 2 loads of cars and 2 loads of scrap taken by the scrap-dealers and this has made over €5,000 for the hall which is indeed tremendous. We have another heap almost ready to go – but please don’t stop now-“keep the scrap coming” – it’s the only major way of reducing the debt. Please ring us if you need it collected. Well done to those who are going beyond the call of duty to go out and collect the scrap.