A Week before the Man in Red Arrives.

CHURCH NEWS:

Mass on Sunday last was celebrated in memory of Tom Herlihy, Kingsland who passed away in 1978. May his soul rest in peace. For the distributors of the weekly envelopes, the boxes are now available for collection, in the Church. Fr. Tom expressed his thanks to those concerned, for giving of their time to deliver the envelopes to the parishioners each year. Fr. Tom was delighted to welcome the first Communion children and their parents to their first 'Do this in Memory' Mass. Roisin was there to lead them in song and they did very well for their first time.

They would like help with the singing though, so for the next Mass any children coming to Mass are asked to join the choir.

As if she hasn't enough to do, Kathleen has arranged to have a selection of signed Mass Cards available in the Sacristy, after Mass any Thursday, Friday or Sunday mornings. She has Mass Bouquets, Christmas Bouquets and Sympathy Cards.

REMEMBERING OUR DECEASED:

For the month of December, we remember our family, friends and neighbours, whose mortuary cards are displayed on the Church noticeboard:- Tom Herlihy, Joe Scanlon, Kingsland. Josephine Murphy, David Hartigan Coolruss. Maura & Kevin O'Donoghue, John O'Rourke, Doorluss. Bridget & Daniel Fitzgibbon, Noreen Ann Biggane, Kilmore. John Carey, Patricia Whetham, Mary Noonan, Ned Chawke, Granagh. Michael Pitman, Lisduane. Margaret Sheehan, Joseph Toomey, Kilatal. Tommy Broderick, Kilmacanearla. Jimmy O'Carroll, Liskennett. Kitty Noonan, Ballyguile. Eoin Daffy, Knockfierna. William Leane, Thurles. Ellen O'Connor, Croom. Laura Enright & Richard Collins, Banogue. Mary O'Leary, Cork. Mary Sheahan, Loughill. Bridie O'Brien, Ballyagran. MaggieMae McMahon, Tullylease. Anna Neville, Croagh. James O'Brien, Ruan. Mary McNamara, Ballybrown. Nancy Cregan, Derryclough. We also remember one of our Tea Dancers, Moira Winters, Hospital whose 6th anniversary occurs in Dec.

TRÓCAIRE THANKS:

The human tragedy around the world these last few years seems too big for any one of us to ease. Any small steps forward feel miraculous... and even the simplest acts of humanity are profound. Thanks to each and everyone who contributed to the Trocaire collection in Granagh & Ballingarry on Friday 9th. Total amount collected was €1,712.25, which will bring many smiles to many faces this December.

USED STAMPS: I am collecting used stamps for the Mission Centre, St. Raphaela's Convent, Dublin. Any Christmas post coming through the door, save the stamps, leaving a few centimetres of paper around them. They are sorted into various categories and are sold by weight, that money then goes to the missions.

GRANAGH. N.S:

Enrolment for September 2023. Granagh N.S. is now accepting enrolments for Junior Infants, starting in September 2023. The Admission Notice and Admission Policy, including the Admission Form, are available on the website www.granaghns.weebly.com or through the school office by contacting Maureen at (061)399081 or emailing office@granaghns.ie. The closing date for receipt of application forms is January 27th 2023.

FREE CONCERT:

Liskennett Equine Therapy centre are delighted to offer 150 tickets to the general public for the Liam O'Connor show with special guest Brian Kennedy. If you haven't seen the show then this is your chance. It's happening on Sunday the 18thDec at 3pm in Liskennett Equine Therapy Centre V35 X242. This event is FREE, but tickets need to be pre-booked. Tickets can be booked online at - https://register.enthuse.com/ps/event/LiamOConnorShow2022.

GRANAGH PLAYERS:

It's been a while..!! However, the ladies & gentlemen have regrouped and have been rehearsing for the last two months. This play began in Oct '21 but Covid caused it to come to a full stop. Some of the original cast members could not commit to this year's production so Jimmy Sheehy had to search for new volunteers ! Many were called upon & it was getting to the stage that when he was spotted, people were running the other way !!! No wonder the hair is thinning from the stress !!! However, persistence paid off and only last week the final cast member was conscripted. As you know on 6th December 1922, the Constitution of the Irish Free State came into effect, we have the 100th anniversary this year. It was decided to write a pageant looking at the War of Independence from many different sides. The poetry, the song, the humour, the violence, the broken dreams and promises. Original and borrowed ideas have been moulded to form our new production of ' The Foggy Dew '. Proposed dates are the last two weekends in January, fingers crossed. Delighted to welcome seven new faces to the group. More anon.

CHRISTMAS Fm:

It's back on the air again, around 105.5 and this year they are supporting Ireland's children's charities - Make-a-Wish, Barnardos & Barretstown. Every time you send a text request/message to 'Xmas 50300', €1.80 is donated. The funds will go directly towards helping vulnerable children in our communities affected by traumatic life events such as poverty, abuse, neglect and bereavement, and to supporting children whose lives are affected by serious childhood illness.

GRANAGH DEVELOPMENT:

We were thrilled to receive good news lately. Our application for community centres investment funding from the department of Rural & Community Development has been successful. We applied for funds to replace the roof in the community centre, as you may have heard, we were having problems with leaks over the past two years. We knew that it was going to be very competitive as there was €2.48million allocated, which was expected to fund about thirty one projects, one per local authority area. Thanks to the officers for their help and input with the application and also to Kevin Carroll for his valuable contribution, all of which helped us to secure €84,052.82. We look forward to spending this on a really vital project.

ERASMUS PROJECT:

Ballyhoura Development is currently working with their European partners on the Youth-led Local Development Erasmus+ project (YLLD). This is a research and training project that aims to increase Youth inclusion in Community-Led Local Development across the EU. They are offering eight young people, aged between 18-30, who are interested in volunteering in their local community, the amazing opportunity to take part in an Erasmus Training Project across 2023. The Training will include a trip to Italy, where young people will have the opportunity to meet other young people from across Europe and participate in community-led local development focused workshops, activities and the development of a Tool Kit and policy paper. Applications should be emailed to lmoloney@ballyhoura.org. Closing Date: 20th of January 2023.

UPCOMING EVENTS:

Wed 14th Dec; Carol Service, 7pm, by Granagh National School students. All welcome.

Thur 15th Dec, 10am - 3pm; Christmas Sale at the Organic College, Drumcollogher.

Sun 18th 11-4, Meanus Hall. Christmas Craft Fair.

Sun 18th, 2-5pm: Friars Gate Theatre, Kilmallock. Christmas Mini Market.

Sund 18th, 4.30pm. The Hogan Stand Bar. Poker Classic in aid of St Ann's School, Roscrea.

Wed 21st Dec, 8pm. 'Carols for the Winter Solstice' in St. Johns' Church, Knockainey. Proceeds to Charity.