by Kathleen Mullane

GOODBYE JANUARY

I’m sure we all at this stage are happy to say goodbye to the month of January. The week of snow and dangerous roads a short while ago with schools all being closed was bad enough we thought however STORM EOWYN really caused havoc all over the country and as I do my few lines here this Monday night the 6 oc news is showing thousands of homes still without electricity and water. Some homes and buildings had their roofs completely destroyed and the owners lucky to be alive on some occasions with trees falling into their bedrooms as they slept.  I suppose the storm came so soon after the snowfall it didn’t give people time to get themselves together.. The worst part, everyone agreed, was the long nights without electricity and waiting for the brightness of the morning to get up. Then one would be so elated when the electricity would flash on  only for it to go off again a short time after. Gas lamps and generators were sold out . Those of us who had open fires and gas hobs etc called ourselves so lucky. However it was so heart-warming to note the kindness of communities and individuals who helped those living alone and those with young children and restaurants that opened their doors and gave water and teas and food to neighbours and families —that’s what community is all about. Hopefully now with February around the corner and the arrival of Spring we are over the worst of it .

This Wednesday night all are welcome to the St Bridgids Cross Workshop which is being held in the church starting at 7 .30pm. Last year was a great success and the children loved making their crosses. Adults were on hand to show those present how to make the crosses and indeed if you can help out on the night it would be great. Teas and coffees will be served .St Brigid’s Day is Feb 1st with Monday being a Bank Holiday in her honour. I’m sure some crosses will be available at 11 o clock mass on Sunday.   Could as many as possible come along to the workshop to make their own crosses as there may not be enough available Sunday.

Sincere Sympathy is extended to Noreen Brouder of Templeathea on the recent passing of her brother Michael J Broderick  at St Itas Hospital in Newcastlewest. He Reposed at Harnett’s Funeral Parlour last Monday night where many came to sympathise with. the family. Burial followed Requiem Mass on Tuesday .May he rest in Peace.     Tom Moran, formerly of Ardagh and Newcastlewest Electrical Maiden St., went to his Eternal Reward at the weekend. His Remains reposed at St Molua’s Church Ardagh on Monday evening where many came to sympathise. Burial followed Requiem Mass on Tuesday .Tom was a brother of the late Marie O Connor The Lane. Upper Athea .May he rest in Eternal Peace.

Just read the other day that Irish Authorities had the lowest rate of refusal to applications from asylum seekers in any of the EU’s 28 member states last year. Only 15per cent of applications were refused by Ireland in comparison to 63 per cent rejected by the rest of the E.U. There were a lot of very sad Ukrainians in Ballybunion last week, families who had kids going to school with friendships made, teenagers about to sit exams and parents who had got work locally ,and having been told they were to be moved out of their accommodation in a week or so some being sent to Sligo and different locations its a hard situation .

THOUGHT FOR THE WEEK

Do not spoil what you Have by desiring what you have not, Remember that what you now have was once among the things that you only hoped for .