JULY 25th - A SAD DAY IN THE PARISH:

CHOMHBHRÓN:

On Sunday July 25th, we lost two of our neighbours to the awful disease of cancer, Joe O'Brien and Mairéad Cagney(nee Treacy). The date was one of a few coincidences between the two families - schooled in Granagh, both from big families, their mothers ( Bridget & Peg) were very good friends, Joe's sister Maureen was Mairéad's godmother and they both had moved to make their home in Castletown.

Joe was well known, a great character with a great sense of humour. He spent many years in England as a successful building contractor & when he returned spent time farming in Athlacca. He then opened the pub in Castletown and traded there for many years. While there, he became a viral sensation as a result of his now famous commentary & infectious laugh, on the Castletown donkey derby in 1994. He took it all in his stride and even got to see Billy & Jennifer Lee progress from the donkeys to the horses, with great success.

Joe will be sadly missed by his wife Joanne, children Grace, Janet, John and Jackie, grandchildren, sons-in-law, daughter-in-law, aunts Kathleen and Sheila, brothers, sisters, brothers-in-law, sisters-in-law, nephews, nieces, neighbours, relatives and many friends. His funeral Mass was celebrated in Ballyagran and he was laid to rest in Granagh Cemetery.

Later the same evening, we heard Mairéad had passed peacefully in Milford. Heartbreaking news for family, siblings, relations and friends. Mairéad was well known for her presence in the shop and was chatty, competent, witty and always a pleasure to meet. We were all delighted to see her return after her first bout of cancer and we didn't expect this to change. She displayed a strong will which had previously shone through in her camogie years. She was described as a fearless cornerback, someone that never let you down either on or off the field. She was an integral member of many teams, especially the All-Ireland winning club side of '99. A skillful, dedicated and tenacious hurler who said she played for fun, but she liked to win too ! A great supporter of the Green & White and generous with her time for charities such as ' Darkness into Light ' as well as part of the Covid Church group in Ballyagran. As Mairéad's sun was setting, she, unbelievably, thought of arranging a fundraiser for Milford Hospice, Sunflower days, who provide fantastic care & support. It was truly an act of selflessness and thoughtfulness towards others who will follow the same path. People donated a whopping €13,670, a wonderful, long lasting tribute to Mairéad. " Good people are like candles, they burn brightly to give others Light ''

She is sadly missed by her husband Eamonn, children Bill and Sheila, sisters Bríd, Mary, Nora, Sheila, Claire and Joanne, brothers Jimmy, Tommy, Mike and Sean, brothers-in-law, sisters-in-law, nephews, nieces, kind neighbours, relatives and many friends. Requiem Mass was celebrated in St. Joseph’s Church, followed by burial afterwards in Castletown Conyers Cemetery. I gcomhluadar Dé go raibh a nAnamacha.

ANY INFO:

Just lately, a few people have been enquiring on the whereabouts of St. John's well and if people have any information on it. It is thought to be located somewhere around Molly Noonan's house. Apparently, early in the 20th century it would still have seen processions and people doing the rounds. Get in contact with me, if anyone has any information.

POP-UPs

Saturday 14th Aug, 10am to 2pm, at the Library Plaza. Charleville Heritage Society are hosting an Outdoor pop-Up Museum, where they will also be giving out their new brochure on Historical Charleville, for free.

ALL ABOUT the GLASHA:

Friday 20th Aug: 12pm - 3pm. Family Fun Day, getting to know your local river.

We are delighted to welcome the Maigue Rivers Trust to Granagh, to showcase the Glasha river and tell us all about the amazing life within the river. For the past year, the Trust has been surveying the Glasha in the hope that they can work on measures to improve the river habitat and to encourage salmon back up the river to spawn. From what we know, the Glasha used to be a great salmon spawning river but declining water quality and fish barriers stopped that, however there are some trout.

The Glasha is a lovely river but it needs to be minded and they would like to chat with local people about their knowledge of the river. Did you know that there was a mill at one time, in Kilmore or that there are thirty three species of Mayfly ? To have these conversations they would like to host a free family-fun day in Granagh during Heritage week. For the children there will be a nature walk, trays of the different animals in the river and nature drawing. Meanwhile the parents can ask questions, give suggestions or hear ideas on how to protect this habitat.

BRUFF RUGBY:

Rugby for women is back at Bruff Rugby Club.!!

If you feel like giving this a try join them on Wednesday evenings at 20:15hr in Kilballyowen Park. Don't miss out on abit of fun, girl power and new friends, and bring that friend. Training schedule - Girls U14, U16, U18, train Monday and Wednesday at19hr. Girls U10 and U12 train Sundays at 11:30hr. New members always welcome! Please contact them in advance while Covid restrictions are in place - womensrugby@bruffrfc.com

MARKET & VINTAGE:

Sunday 8th August; 10am to 2pm. Rockbarton garden centre are thrilled to announce their Inaugural Harvest Fair & Vintage Rally, which is being held in association with County Limerick Vintage Clubs.

There will be a variety of vintage machinery and cars along with our usual monthly Farmer's market with food stalls and crafts, tea/coffee, crepes, sandwich sisters.. lots on offer. A great family day out & it's free entry.