"March comes in like a Lion & goes out like a Lamb".

CHOMHBHRÓN:

Our deepest condolences to the family of Richie Chawke, Croagh and Granagh, who passed peacefully at his home, surrounded by his family. He will be sadly missed by his loving wife Carmel (Burke), mother Essie, son Paul, daughter Aoife (Barrett), daughter-in-law Samantha, son-in-law Paul, granddaughters, brother Pat,sisters Marie, Siobhán and Esther, aunts Annie and Kitty, relatives, neighbours and many friends.

He is reposing at O'Grady's this Wednesday evening, March 1st, from 5pm to 7pm. Arriving at St.John the Baptist Church, Croagh, on Thursday for 12pm Requiem Mass, with burial afterwards in the adjoining cemetery.Donations, if desired, to The Irish Cancer Society or Milford Care Centre.

I had the great pleasure of knowing and working with Richie when he was Chairman of Coláiste Na Trocáire's Parent Council. He had all the qualities that made him an excellent Chair - he was diligent, patient, calm & courteous, supportive, considerate & thorough. A leader who was able to bring people together, listened to all opinions and instilled confidence in the committee that any projects taken on, could be successful. These were only some of his considerable talents which he used to help make a difference in the school community. He was also a son, brother, husband, father and friend, those who had the privilege of knowing him can say he was one of nature's gentlemen. He has left a huge void in the family circle and as we offer our heartfelt sympathy, we pray that all the family may be consoled in their sorrow. Ar dheis lamh Dé go raibh a anam dilís.

TRÓCAIRE BOXES:

As the Season of Lent begins, Trócaire needs your support in bringing life-saving support to one of the most fragile countries in the world. Somalia is in the midst of a critical food crisis which has left almost half of the population experiencing acute food shortages and unbearable hunger. The face on the box this year is 8 year old Nasteha Mahat, from Somalia. We hear about the family and their eight children – who have had to leave their home and village in search of food at an internally displaced persons’ camp. Trócaire is supporting families like the Mahats through life saving food baskets, medical care and education for the children.

You can support this vital work by taking home a Trócaire box and using it in your home, or by going online at www.trocaire.org.

GIVE BLOOD:

March, 6th, 7th, 8th, 9th. Longcourt Hotel Newcastle West.16:45 - 20:00: Clinic is by appointment only. Please call 1800 222 111 to book your appointment.

IWD:

International Women's Day March 8th is a global day celebrating the social, economic, cultural, and political achievements of women. The day also marks a call to action to not only embrace women's equality, but also their equity. Equality means each individual or group of people is given the same resources or opportunities. Equity recognizes that each person has different circumstances, and allocates the exact resources and opportunities needed to reach an equal outcome.

#EmbraceEquity. Equity isn't just a nice-to-have, it's a must-have. Equity means creating an inclusive world. Being included, and a sense of belonging, feel right. When we embrace equity, we embrace diversity, and we embrace inclusion. Equality is the goal, and equity is the means to get there. 'Vicky The Documentary' will be show at Friars Gate, on 8th March at 7.30pm. All profits go to Milford Hospice Booking online at https://eventlist.store/friarsgatetheatre/fgt. For any queries, contact us at 063-98727

BIRTHDAYS: Congratulations to Fr. Tom who celebrated his birthday on pancake Tuesday, no doubt he had an extra few on the day. Also celebrating, Eileen Noonan and Helen Kelly, Kilmore. IT SKILLS: Mobile-IT are running 4 week course of digital skills at Croom Family Resource Centre , starting Monday morning 6th March at 10am. They will offer friendly support on using your phone or device in a relaxed environment over a cup of tea. The programme is €40 for 4 weeks. For more information you can call Mobile IT directly on 061-389592 RAMBLING HOUSE:

Mar 10th, 8pm in Cappagh Community Hall. CONGRATULATIONS: Delighted to welcome a new addition in Coolruss. Congrats to Ciara and Kevin Carroll on the birth of their first baby, Robyn. She arrived just after they celebrated their first anniversary. Wishing them lots of joy. UPCOMING EVENTS: Sunday 26th March; Daffodil Day Coffee morning in the community centre at 11am. Monday 13th Mar, registration is open for a six week course starting in Croom Mills, where you will learn to cook healthy meals on a budget. Contact Caroline directly to register on 085-2568579 or caroline@croomfrc.com Mar 30th - 'Banshees of Inisherin', showing at the Schoolyard Theatre, Charleville. Sunday 2nd April; Easter Market in the community centre, 11am - 2pm. Crafters welcome to book a stand.

GOOD FRIDAY TLC8: This year, participants in TLC8 are encouraged to bring a friend and involve new neighbours in the community to join in, to make Limerick a cleaner and more environmentally friendly county. If everyone did a section of their road, the whole parish would be covered. Last year, TLC7 marked the largest participation numbers so far, with over 21,000 volunteers taking part and collecting 68 tonnes of litter. Sponsored by the JP McManus Benevolent Fund and supported by Limerick City and County Council & Mr. Binman, TLC has seen over 400 tonnes of litter gathered by volunteers since inception in 2015 – equating to over 14,500 household wheelie bins.