Hot July, it surely was:

CHURCH NEWS:

Morning Mass is back in Granagh every Thursday & Friday morning at 10am, unless there is a funeral.

Sunday 1st Aug is the parish Sacristan's annual collection. You all know how dedicated Kathleen is in looking after our Church, I do not know what we would do without her. Nobody really knows the amount of work she does in the background, every day of the week. You can show your appreciation this coming weekend.

REMEMBERING OUR DECEASED:

For the month of July, we remember our family, friends and neighbours, whose mortuary cards are displayed on the Church noticeboard:- Margaret Speiran & Mary Cifford, Kilmacow. Johanna Chawke, Ballyvologue. Sr. Mary Bennett, Graigacurra. Ted Tierney, Granagh. Willie & Mary Biggane, Kilmore. Maurice Barrett & Patrick Morrissey, Doorluss. Willie Lee & Tom Sexton, Lisduane. Stephen Chawke, Mungret. John Sheahan, Banogue. Owen Neville, Shannon. Bridget McEniry, Derryclough. William Sheehy, Croagh.

SUNDAY 25th:

The last Sunday in July is a busy day - it was Reek Sunday on Croagh Patrick, it was Grandparents' day and it is also known as Fraughan Sunday.

Fraughan Sunday (Domhnach na bhFraochóg) is widely known around Wexford, however around the Blackstairs it is known as Mountain Sunday or Pattern Sunday. For those who don’t know, a fraughan is a little bilberry that grows on the fraughan bush on mountain sides, makes the tastiest jam. The date is one of our pivotal calendar dates in Ireland, coinciding with the start of Autumn and the Lughnasa festival. This date marks the start of Harvest as people had come through what was known as Hungry July, a month where food was scarce ( not nowadays ) and this idea of feasting marks the start of the arrival of seasonal fresh food.

WHAT's ON:

Now that places are opening up again, there are a few interesting events happening.

* Walking Tours of the Hunt Museum Building & Garden, up to 27th Aug:

* 27thJul - 6thAug, Sand Sculpture Fest: Children and adults are invited to attend and work alongside artist instructors to build their own sculptures ! Booking on (061) 312 833 or email at - info@huntmuseum.com

* Mon 19th -Sunday 1st Aug; 7.30pm & 9pm. '' Waiting for Poirot '', a new play by Limerick playwright Mike Finn,in the wonderful setting of The People’s Park.

Early show begins at 8pm at People’s Park, check-in to BELLTABLE box office at 7.30pm.

Late show begins at 9.30pm at People’s Park, check-in to BELLTABLE box office at 9pm.

Please adhere to these times as wristbands must be issued at Belltable prior to audience moving to the People’s Park where the show will begin. Tickets available online at www.limetreetheatre.ie or ring 061-953400.

* Sun 1st Aug, 11am - 3.30pm: The monthly Craft Fair at the Urban Co-Op, 8 Eastway Business Pk, Ballysimon.

* Thur 5th Aug, 9pm: " In Middletown" - Written and performed by Irish Times Theatre Award Winner, Mikel Murfi, outdoors in the grounds of the Lime Tree.

* Sun 8th Aug, 10am - 2pm. Rockbarton Farmers' Market.

WELLY WADDLERS:

What is it ? It is a play, move, and discovery outdoor series for kids 2-5yrs, run by Ballyhoura Beo, in Croom town park. Next Autumn session begins 7th Sept - 14th Oct, 10am. The sessions focus on exploring the outdoors as a parent and child. It is centred around fun and lively discovery stations where your child will gain confidence and over time a passion for healthy outdoor fun. The Welly Waddler sessions take place all year round. The program just like the year is broken into 4 Seasons. Each individual session is completely unique and Families can try a one-off taster session or sign up for each season. Each session will have set activities that include: Hands-on discovery and Learning section, Movement and Get Active section and Nature Craft Workshop section. Their friendly guides are there to offer advice, tools, crafts, and inspiration.

APOLOGIES:

In last week's notes, I married off Emer Hickey to her brother-in-law Harry !!! Of course, I meant her sister Fiona, it was she who did all the hard work and produced baby Cathal. Once Harry doesn't get mixed up !!! No doubt Aunty Emer's turn will come too! Someone would want to keep an eye on me at this stage - I'm putting it down to passing the sixty mark !

HERITAGE WEEK:

Aug 14th - 22nd: National Heritage Week, an initiative by the Heritage Council. It brings together communities, families, organisations and enthusiasts, to build awareness about the value of heritage and support its conservation.