100th Anniversary Commemoration of Lt. Michéal O'Shea:
MASSES RETURN: Masses will be celebrated in our Churches again. Morning masses have already begun this week and our first vigil mass will be this coming weekend. The programme of Masses will be as follows;- Ballingarry - Tuesdays, Wednesdays at 10am, Vigil Mass Saturdays at 7pm, ( beginning 11th, 12th & 15th May). Granagh - Thursdays, Fridays at 10am and Sundays 10.30am, (beginning 13th, 14th, 16th May).
From 11th May, you can call into the sacristy to book anniversary and month's mind masses.
An tIONAD GLAS:
The Organic College based in Drumcollogher, will be holding a farmers market at the Charleville Park Hotel, fortnightly, so the next date is Saturday the 15th of May from 10am. All fresh grown produce e.g. all kinds of herbs, tomato plants, kale, cabbage & squash plants, honey etc.
WELL DONE:
A number of locals took part in the great Limerick Run on 1st May, all ran in the parish again this year. Janice Twomey threw out a suggestion to do a 'Sunrise on Knockfierna' for Pieta and a fine group of people braved the elements on 8th May. The sunrise couldn't be seen behind the rain clouds unfortunately but a total of €350.00 was collected for a very good cause.
GIVE BLOOD:
Thursday 13th May, Woodlands House Hotel, 4.45pm - 8pm. Clinics by appointment only, so ring 061-306980 between 9am-5pm to book your slot.
COMMEMORATION:
A wreath laying commemoration ceremony was held at the grave of Lieutenant Michéal O'Shea in Shanabhotha, to mark the centenary of his shooting by the British, during the war of Independence. The people of Granagh erected the headstone in 1966 in memory of Mick Sé, as he was known locally. MC, Jim Chawke welcomed a fine crowd for the event and the rain held off fortunately.
Tommy O'Riordan, one of the committee members working on this project, laid a wreath on behalf of the Volunteers. Johnny Sheehan, whose father played on the hurling team with Mick, laid a wreath on behalf of the GAA, as Mick was captain of Granagh when they won the County title in 1914 and 1916. Seamus Twomey did some research though the GAA and discovered Mick's medal is on display in the military museum in London. John Cregan, Chairman was also in attendance and spoke on behalf of the GAA. The last wreath was laid by Michael O'Brien (son of Paddy) as Mick was his great grand-uncle and he insisted on paying for the cleaning of the headstone. Also in attendance and similarly related was Padraig Hogan, Bruree (son of the late Liam). Present also, Richard O'Donoghue TD, who is working with the committee to erect a plaque at the community centre, naming all the local volunteers. Kay Sheehy produced an excellent piece, on the above, for the History Show, which was aired on RTE Radio1, Sunday 9th, which can be found on the RTE player.