TIDY TOWNS RESULTS:

CHURCH NOTES:

Last Sunday the anniversaries of Seamus & Noreen Biggane, Kilmore, were remembered. Also remembered was Pat Hynes who had passed away unexpectedly during the week.

Rosary in Shanabhotha (3pm) & Granagh (3.15pm) graveyards for the month of November.

Thought for the Week: "All that truly matters in the end, is that you loved. ''

CHOMHBHRÓN:

We offer our deepest sympathies to the Hynes Family of The Hollows, Granagh on the unexpected passing of a beloved son and brother, Patrick. Predeceased by his father Dan. Very deeply regretted by his sorrowing mother Maura, sisters Mary, Breda (Woulfe) and Caroline, brother-in-law John, nephews, nieces, relatives, kind neighbours and his many friends. He was reposed in Daffy's funeral home & Requiem Mass was celebrated on Monday last, after which he was laid to rest in Granagh cemetery. Go raibh Leaba i measc na nAingeal aige.

TIDY TOWNS RESULTS:

Community – Your Planning and Involvement - 39 marks out of 80. Streetscape & Public Places- 34/80.

Green Spaces and Landscaping - 37/80. Nature and Biodiversity in your Locality- 20/55. Sustainability – Doing more with less - 15/55. Tidiness and Litter Control - 43/90. Residential Streets & Housing Areas- 30/55. Approach Roads, Streets & Lanes - 34/55. Total marks - 252/550.

The following is a summary of the report. Granagh has a charming pastoral image in a mature woodland setting.

The village and surrounding area has a myriad of wildlife habitats which would be the envy of many other locations.

Stone walls, native hedgerows and mature trees form a very pleasant backdrop to your village. They were impressed with the partnerships the GDA had created with a wide range of agencies, including Limerick City and County Council, Ballyhoura Development, Pobal, LEADER and the Department of Rural and Community Development.

This adjudicator was very grateful for the clear and easy to interpret hand drawn map and accompanying photographs provided, indicating the range of our projects. These facilitated the enjoyment of the visit.

The Adjudicator stated - " St Joseph’s Church with its simple, unfussy presentation on excellently maintained grounds, has a great visual appeal. Freshly painted in an attractive pastel yellow colour, the elegant church building and nearby, the matching Millennium Grotto, provides the highlight of the village presentation. Further along, the Rock Bar has developed a welcoming external forecourt. The external furniture consisting of tables, seating, umbrellas and colourfully planted containers provides a cosmopolitan atmosphere and has the effect of enlivening the village core.

There is an ambience of tidiness throughout the village but a small bit of litter was spotted along the roadside.

We note that the old Co-op Creamery has been bought and it is anticipated that the site will be developed commercially. Redevelopment here should prove to be a welcome investment in the village.

The murals here are an evocative reminder of earlier days and maybe their image will inspire future imaginative developments.

Great to hear of plans to acquire the former Parochial House. Suffice to say that we hope you will be successful in

this venture. The acquisition of the property here, and its subsequent redevelopment as a Community Hub, could

provide an opportunity to create a prestigious, landscaped entry space incorporating the nearby recently unveiled

Republican Memorial. The committee has been very proactive in advancing the wildlife agenda, particularly in the areas of conservation of natural amenity walks and nature trails in the wonderful Liskennett Forest. However, there was a conglomeration of signage here which could be reduced and repositioned.

Close by, up to Chawke’s Cross, a cluster of individual private residences were observed and innovative garden presentations admired. The number one specific project mentioned - new roof for community centre - was a substantial achievement. It is very encouraging that your village has decided to enter the Tidy Towns Competition. Your community has a lot to offer and the adjudicator feels that participation in the competition will prove to be a stimulus and focus for your ongoing efforts. Well done to all concerned and we wish you well in the years ahead.''

Thanks to everyone who helped out during the year, a very positive report for our first year entering. Extra Volunteers will always be welcome.

UPCOMING EVENTS:

Sun 24th Nov: In the Hall; 6-7pm. Registration evening for the new year of Community Games. Children should be encouraged to join, such a variety of activities - Art, Handwriting, Drama, Singing, Draughts, Chess, Athletics, Long Puck etc.

Mon 25th Nov: In the Hall; 7-8pm. 4 week, Yoga Nidra Class with Eileen Sheehan. Book on 086-7953239.

Thur 28th Nov: In the Hall. 8pm. AGM of Granagh/Ballingarry Camogie Club.

Sat 30th Nov: Caoimhe's Lights being switched on.

Sun 1st Dec: At the Hall: 6pm. **Lighting up our Christmas Tree ** with help from the Choir. All Funds go to Liskennett Equine Therapy Centre. We will have Tea/Coffee/Hot Choc Truck. Face Painting & a Children's Disco. Prize for the Best Child's Christmas Outfit. A possibility Santa might just give a Call...

Sat 7th Dec: In the Hall: 8pm. Christmas Variety Show. Bring your own nibbles. Adults €10, Children Free. Raffle on the Night. We will have the wonderful Liskennett Ladies, fresh from their performance at the Brian Kennedy Concert.

Mon 30th Dec: Granagh/Chawkes Cross: 6-6.30pm. Christmas Lights Run by the Greybridge Classic Club. Fundraising this years for three charities - * Make the Moove. * Irish Red Cross, Limerick. * Clionas Foundation.

CE SCHEME:

Might you be interested ? Granagh Development Assoc are hoping to get help with maintaining the village and the Hall, through the Community Employment Scheme. We have been told that we need to recruit potential participants if we are to be considered.

The criteria, to be accepted on the CE scheme, is that you have to be on the live register and in receipt of Social Welfare, for a minimum of 12 months. If you are interested and think you might be eligible or need any further information please contact: Gerry O'Donovan Granagh Development 087-2608135 or Celia O'Connell Community Employment Supervisor 087 1670570.