Dare to Dream, they can come true!
GRANAGH UTD. F.C:
Results: U12: Granagh 8 - Newcastle West Rovers 0.
Scorers - Paudie Murphy (5), Cian O'Carroll (2), T.J. Tierney 1.
Fixtures: U12 Division 1: Granagh Utd v Abbeyfeale Utd A @ 11.30am JP Murphy. U16 Division 2: Granagh Utd v Mountcollins @ 1pm JP Murphy.
LISKENNETT AUTISM CENTRE:
A Dream doesn't become reality through magic, it takes sweat, determination and hard work. This was clearly evident at the official opening of the new development in Liskennett, for people with Autism.
Ceo, Conor Counihan welcomed everyone and introduced each of the speakers. Dr. O Donnell opened the proceedings and gave a history of how the foundation began in 1968 and the many obstacles that were overcome. Next, David Doyle, the main driving force behind this project, spoke. He emphasised that it
was a team effort which began in 2007. The committee received a presentation which showed that the number of service users had increased. It was found that 23% of the budget was being spent on 4% of the people, however 249 out of the 600 users were autistic. In the interests of best practice the service that they required needed to be effective, efficient and dedicated. Therefore the committee undertook visits to centers in Ireland, England, Scotland and Wales as well as research in the USA. The aim was to provide personal care, community inclusion, training, education so that the users could become active citizens.
David thanked Pat Pierce and family (previous owners of Liskennett farm) for their patience as they waited nearly a year for the purchase to be confirmed , while planning etc was going through. Then the search for finance began. In 2010 they submitted their proposals to the JP McManus Pro-Am committee and they received 2 million euro.!! What a start to get and that wasn't the first time that the McManus family had helped St. Josephs. Then they had to come up with matching funding which was very difficult. David thanked Michael Creed, Michael Moynihan and Kieran O'Donnell especially, for their help in relation to Department of Environment grants. He also thanked Limerick County Council, Ballyhoura Development and IRD Duhallow for their funding.
The results can be seen today - the residential department contains 16 apartments. The users have their own bedroom, bathroom, kitchen and living room - just like us adults. There they have a safe environment, sensitive to light and temperature, supported by trained staff. There will be a day facility opening for 12 users in October. There are Sensory Walks, Trails, Alpacas, Donkeys and the collection will be added to.
The equine therapy center is a wonderful support and David hopes that it will be used by all of their 930 users and he would like to see their families using it as a bonding activity. The horse boy training method has helped users to integrate and become calmer and more confident. David said his own daughter Caroline would not be here today, amongst such a crowd, were it not for the equine therapy.
Chairperson of the Foundation, Eamon McCarthy, began by saying - "Dare to Dream, they can come true ". The mission statement for St. Josephs', is to provide people with disabilities the opportunity to live the life of their choice, to their fullest potential. This is the driving force behind everything that is done. Eamon had a list of people to thank who were involved from the time the land was purchased until the opening of the center. Some of those mentioned - Limerick county council and dept of environment whose funding went towards the apartments. TeamDaveRiordan funding went towards the playground, equestrian equipment and the sensory trail. Better Life Cycle, Mitchelstown, funding went towards purchasing a bus. Ballyhoura and IRD Duhallow funding went towards the Equestrian Centre. Eamon wished to thank Catherine O'Connell who was assistant to David all through this project and Maura Doyle ( David's wife) for her continued support. Again he wished to sincerely thank David Doyle who was involved in each and every aspect of this massive project.
Cllr Richard O'Donoghue spoke on behalf of the County Council and said he was delighted to welcome St. Josephs' to the parish. He complimented them on how they all supported each other like a family group and how they had respect for each individual. He said that Granagh and the surrounding areas had great community spirit and knew that they would be very supportive of St. Josephs'.
Aidan Gleeson spoke on behalf of Ballyhoura Dev & IRD Duhallow. He was delighted that they were able to help with funding through the LEADER programme and the Autism center will be of enormous benefit for the users and the local community.
Finally, Jerry Boland spoke on behalf of the JP McManus Pro-Am. He said he was an accountant and had been involved with JP for the last twenty years. When they began with the scholarship fund in CBS Sexton St., he asked JP what would he do ? JP's answer was "Make a difference". This is exactly what the fund has been doing on behalf of the McManus family, all over county Limerick. Jerry complimented the team led by Dr. O'Donnell for their evolving vision, their many achievements and the work they have put into research and development. He wished them the very best and every success into the future.
Fr. Tom Naughton, Charleville, spiritual director at St. Josephs', blessed the new centre, all the staff and users of the facility. A presentation was made to Liam McCarthy on behalf of his mother Maureen by Liam Egan. Caroline Doyle presented Sue Ann Foley with a painting and a bouquet of flowers.
HIP- HOP CLASSES:
Hip Hop Dancing classes will begin in Granagh Community Centre on Tuesday 6th October.
Classes will run from 4 - 5pm for ages 5 - 8yrs and 5 - 6pm for 9 - 12yr olds. €5 per class. All are welcome. Contact Maureen for further information, on 087 - 6644146.
TEA DANCING:
Delighted to announce the return of Afternoon Tea Dancing on Sunday 18th October, 2.30pm - 5.30pm. Music will be provided by the very popular Pakie Moloney & Seamus Sheehy.
REMEMBERING OUR DECEASED:
For the month of September we remember our family members, friends and neighbours, whose mortuary cards are displayed on the Church noticeboard. Sean & David Shine. Bridie & Eileen Moloney. Julie Brosnan, Coolruss. Nora Herlihy, Kingsland. Johnny Houlihan, Kilmacanearla. Catherine O'Connor & Katherine Martin, Ballyguile. Phil Noonan, Kilmore. Liam English, Lees Cross. Patsy Fitzgibbon, Ballinleena. Tadhg O'Flynn, Ballingarry. Arthur O'Leary, Castletown. Kathleen Hayes & Patrick Power, Pallasgrean. James curtin, Foynes.
ST. JOSPEPH'S FOUNDATION CYCLE,WALK,RUN:
Sunday 27th Sept is the big fund- raising day for St. Joseph's Foundation, Charleville. Two cycle choices - 27km / 90km beginning at 10.00am, €25.
The Walk/Run is over 4km / 10km and begins at 11.00am, €10. You can Register at the main reception in St. Josephs' any day of the week, 9.00am to 4.30pm, up to the 25th. If you would like to support their Monster Draw, tickets are only €2 each - 1st prize €500. 2nd prize Adult Hybrid Bike. 3rd prize €200.
ADULT CHOIR:
We really need more people to join our choir !! It is open to everyone, male & female and we would love to see more younger members. We have an excellent organist, Roisín Sexton who has been with us for the last four years and has introduced a whole new collection of modern Liam Lawton hymns. We would hope to sing for two masses each month - in October, Saturday 10th & 17th. Next rehearsal on Sunday 4th Oct, in the Church at 6.00pm. Please come along.
RECENT CELEBRATIONS:
Congratulations to twins Áine & Edward Sheehy who celebrated their 18th birthday and to Grainne Power who is only 24!
Ballingarry 10k Walk Fun Run:
Sunday 4th Oct. Reg at 1pm at Hall. Will be preceded by vintage trator run at 12pm. Proceeds in aid of Adare Alzheimers Day Care Centre.
UPCOMING EVENTS:
27th Sept, Sun - Climb Knocfierna for Jack & Jill, 12.00pm.
1st Oct, Thur - AGM, Granagh Dev. Assoc. 8.30pm.
2nd Oct, Fri - Youth Club Meeting, 8.00pm.
4th Oct, Sun - Choir rehearsal, 6.00pm.
6th Oct, Tue - Hip-Hop Classes, 4.00pm.
