A CHRISTMAS SHOW....

CHURCH NEWS:

Last Sunday, we remembered the anniversaries of John Toomey & Sean O'Brien, on the feast of Christ the King. Ar dheis Lamh Dé go raibh a nAnamacha dilís. The Communion children were in attendance and as always in great voice, led by Roisín & Emma. They were able to answer all Fr. Tom's questions and have the Prayers of the Faithful very well prepared.

Folk Choir: Another rehearsal coming up on Dec 4th at 8pm, in preparation for Mass and the Xmas Concert. New members, feel free to come along on the night.

8th Dec: Masses for the Feast of the Immaculate Conception - Friday 8th, Granagh 10am & Ballingarry 7pm.

Last Sunday was the final rosary in the graveyard, for November. Thanks to the Bereavement group for organising and keeping this lovely tradition. Seven rosaries offered up for the souls of the departed.

Thought for the Week: Taking care of our Earth is the only way our species will survive.

CONCERN - THANKS:

The annual collection for Concern was held in early November by the O'Keeffe sisters. The total received in Ballingarry was €2093.78 and in Granagh €392.65. Sincere thanks to all who donated.

NAT. SCHOOL

Granagh National School is now accepting applications for new enrolments for September 2023/24. If you wish to enrol your child please contact the school directly at - office@granaghns.ie

VARIETY CONCERT:

Saturday 9th Dec in the Hall, 8pm. Don't forget the upcoming Christmas Concert, in aid of the community centre.

Lots of variety from the children's choir, the Irish dancing class, Scór group and a world class dancer will attend.!! Shop and Raffle on the night also.

GIVE BLOOD:

Thur 30th, Woodlands Hotel, 5pm - 8.20pm: New donors always welcome. Call 1800222111 for your appointment.

One in four people will need a transfusion at some point in their lives.

WOODLANDS & FOCUS Irl.

Fitzgerald's Woodlands have again partnered with Focus Ireland and are launching the 'Gift of Giving' campaign for 2023. Buy a gift, mark it with an age and gender and drop it to the Woodlands Hotel by Sunday Dec 10th.

Almost 13,000 people, including 4,000 children, are experiencing homelessness in Ireland. Let's make this Christmas unforgettable for those who might otherwise be forgotten. In the true spirit of the season, let's share the gift of giving. Together, we can be the reason a child believes in magic, even in the midst of hardship.

Thank you for being the light in someone else's darkness. Together, we can make a difference.

CONCERTS & CAROLS:

Fri 8th Dec, 7.30pm in Newcastle West Church. Candlelight Carols with guests Mairéad Buicke, the Capriccio String Quartet & the SMI choir, all in aid of St. Vincent DePaul. Tickets available through the school, 069-62443.

Fri 15th Dec, 7.30pm in Rathkeale Church. Celtic Tenors in concert with Coláiste na Trocaire choir & musicians under the direction of Jean O'Brien. Tickets available through the school, 069-64094, John's Menswear or the community centre office. Two wonderful nights of entertainment assured.

VINTAGE RUN:

A beautiful day for the Run, last Sunday, in aid of Liskennett Equine Therapy Centre. Huge thanks to the participants, the organisers and all the volunteers who helped make this a memorable day. A massive €5,000 was raised for the facility in Liskennett.

TRÓCAIRE:

Sat 16th Dec: Mary O'Regan will be selling the Trócaire gift cards at O'Gradys, Ballingarry in the morning ( 9am - 12.30) and at O'Gormans, in the evening (1 - 4.30pm).

Buying a 'Gift of Change' for family or friends brings good feelings to those you love this Christmas – as well as urgent relief and positive change to people who really need it. Help change lives and keep the love alive all year – in a year when your love and compassion are deeply needed, and deeply appreciated, more than ever.

WHAT's ON:

1st, 2nd, 3rd Dec, 8pm - Banogue Drama present 'Love Thy Neighbour'.

Fri 1st, 8pm. NCWest Film club at the Desmond Complex showing 'Empire of Light'.

Sun 3rd Dec; 10am-3pm; Rockbarton Christmas Market.

Mon 4th Dec, 7pm @ Croom Civic Centre. Maigue Rivers Trust launch new Film on their work.

Fri 8th Dec; 7.30pm. Candlelight Carols in Newcastle West Church.

Fri 15th Dec; 7.30pm. Celtic Tenors in Rathkeale Church.

DID YOU KNOW:

27th Nov, 2005 - First partial human face transplant is completed for Isabelle Dinoire in Amiens, France.

28th Nov,1871 - The Gaiety Theatre, opens with a performance of She Stoops to Conquer.

29th Nov,1963 - The Beatles "She Loves You" reaches 1 million copies sold.

30th Nov,1995 - Bill Clinton visits Northern Ireland, the first serving US president to do so.