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13/12/2007
Macregol Gospel Facsimile Presented To Council
The only copy facsimile of the Gospel Book of Macregol, also known as
the Book of Birr, the Rushworth Gospels and Bodleian Ms D2.19. was
officially handed over by Birr Historical Society to Offaly County
Council at a reception last Wednesday evening held at the Birr Library
and Civic Offices. This represented the culmination of many endeavours
over the years by historians and local interest groups in Birr to bring
back home to Birr this rich and profound manuscript.
The Macregol gospels are a testament to the master scholars of
monastic Ireland whose works of art and illuminations filled the pages
of the book of Kells, the Book of Durrow, the Book of Dimma, the Stowe
Missal and many others. The gospels of Macregol were a beacon of light
in a Europe plunged into the Dark Ages (c. 800AD). Macregol would have
heard eye witness accounts of a battle fought between Birr and
Clonmacnoise in 756 AD and would have known all too well about Viking
raids that terrorised the local populace, many of their objectives, of
course, were the treasures housed in the local monasteries. The
first Viking raid on Ireland took place in 795 during Macregol's
lifetime.
Macregol's gospels are a priceless legacy to Ireland's rich
Monastic heritage, as Margaret Hogan wrote in her book on the subject, 'Macregol
wrote in a remarkably lovely hand called insular majuscule which
somewhat resembles the hands of the Book of Kells and also that of the
Faddenmore Psalter, found in a bog in 2006 in Birr Parish, near Carrig.'
Also like these other great works of art the Macregol gospels
were adorned with motifs including spirals, frames with appendages,
display letters, key patterns, tile patterns, an abundance of ribbon and
animal interlace and confronted heads, the robes of the evangelists were
depicted in thick swirls of red, green and yellow pigment. As Margaret
pointed out in her pamphlet the pigments were probably derived from red
lead, orpiment, copper sulphate and some vegetable dye. The vellum pages
represent the skins of at least eighty five calves, a tumultuous sum
indicative of the wealth associated with the Birr Monastery of the day.
Amongst the many Councillors and public representatives present
for the final presentation of the Macregol facsimile was the President
of the Birr Historical Society, Rev. Irene Morrow, Researcher Margaret
Hogan who wrote a detailed pamphlet on the manuscript, Project Co-ordinator
Teresa Ryan-Feehan and Treasurer Bridget Sullivan. Others present were
Cllr Michael Loughnane (Chairman Birr Town Council), Most Rev.
Willie Walsh, Bishop of Killaloe, Ann Coughlan (County Librarian), Cllr
Tony McLoughlin, Pat Gallagher (County Manager). Cllr Tony McLoughlin
accepted the hand over of the one and only copy facsimile of the
Macregol gospels on behalf of the County Council.
President of the Birr Historical Society, Rev. Irene Morrow whilst
outlining the history of the book, was keen to emphasise that ultimately
this was a religious manuscript, as indicated by the lower two panels of
Macregol's colophon and inscription: 'Macregol dipinxit hoc evangelium.
Quicumque legerit et intellegerit istam narrationem orat pro Macreguil
sciptori - Macregol illuminated this Gospel. Whoever reads and
understands the narrative, pray for Macregol the scribe.'
It was the above inscription that the Jesuit, Rev. Charles
O'Connor of the O'Connor Don family, Co. Roscommon referred to in 1814
as evidence of the manuscript's distinctly Irish origin; up until that
point it had been believed that these Gospels were
Anglo-Saxon.
Macregol's name was recorded in the Ulster annals on the occasion
of his death in 822 AD. Macregol had been the scribe, abbot and bishop
of the monastery founded by St. Brendan the Elder at Birr in the mid
sixth century. As President of the Birr Historical Society, Rev.
Irene Morrow remarked it was most unusual to find one man described in
the Annals as fulfilling all the posts of scribe, bishop and abbot.
As was explained in Margaret Hogan's book it was about AD 800
that Macregol wrote the manuscript of the four gospels in Latin.
Macregol worked in what is known to scholars today as Irish half-uncial
script. The Macregol Gospel manuscript is a copy of the Four Gospels of
169 vellum folios about 350mm high and 270 mm wide.
The manuscript disappeared twice for generations at a time and
then reappeared. Somehow in about 975 it appeared in England. It was
very plausible, as Margaret Hogan stated in her book, that the
manuscript may have been taken there after the Viking raid on Birr in
842 AD. There were close connections between the Viking kingdom of
Dublin and that of York at the time.
President of the Society, Rev. Morrow, referring to
Margaret's book remarked that it was in about 1000 AD that Farman and
Owun, clerics somewhere in Britain, translated Macregol's original Latin
text into Old English, writing their translation on the manuscript
between the Latin lines (this is referred to today as a gloss by
scholars). The Macregol Gospel gloss is the second oldest surviving
translation of the Four Gospels into any version of the English
language. The oldest is the Book of Lindisfarne.
Farman's translation of the Matthew gospel represents an
invaluable record of the Mercian dialect of Old English and is of
particular interest to scholars as it was from this particular Midland
dialect that Standard Modern English derives. An interesting example of
this can be viewed in the Matthew gospel where the Mercian dialect gloss
of the Pater Noster (Our Father) appears: Faeder ure, thu the in
heofunum earth. Beo gehalgad thin noma. Cume to thin rice. Weorth thin
willa, swa swa on heofune, swilce on eorthe.
As Rev. Irene Morrow commented the local interest and endeavours
to obtain copies of the manuscript have been taking place for many
years. She referred to the Rev. Samuel Hemphill, Rector of Birr who
submitted an article on the manuscript to the Proceedings of the Royal
Irish Academy in January 1911 and noted that many Birr people were aware
that 'as well as a Book of Durrow and a Book of Kells, there existed a
'Book of Birr.'
Local historian Margaret Hogan visited the Bodleian Library,
Oxford in 1975 and made a close study of the manuscript. She purchased
transparencies and gave several illustrated lectures both in Birr and in
neighbouring towns over the years. The Earl of Rosse ordered a set of
postcard reproductions that were on sale for a time at the Birr Castle
Demesne shop.
Other attempts were made in the mid 1970s by Birr Vintage Week
Committee who tried to get a copy of the Macregol Gospel Manuscript. The
Committee at that time wanted to bring the original manuscript to
Ireland to be photographed. Unfortunately the conditions set down for
Oxford were not tenable. Amongst the conditions Oxford submitted that
the manuscript be protected by the Irish Army around the clock and the
Irish government would have to give an undertaking that the manuscript
would not be damaged whilst in Ireland and would be returned within a
period of three weeks. To meet this last demand in particular would have
required very specialised equipment to ensure that the temperature and
environment of the precious manuscript was maintained to exacting
standards throughout transport and display.
Subsequently, however, interest continued to prevail and
illustrated lectures were delivered in Birr during Heritage week in
September, 2000, by local Macregol historian Margaret Hogan. Margaret
explains in her book that it was during the course of one of these
lectures that Teresa Ryan Feehan and her late husband, Mr Joe Feehan
took a particular interest in the endeavour to obtain a complete copy of
the Manuscript.
Teresa wrote to the Bodleian Library in Oxford initially
requesting if herself and her husband could view the manuscript and
sought permission to obtain a complete copy of the entire manuscript.
Whilst discussing this possibility with Professor Barker-Benfield,
Senior Assistant Librarian of the Bodleian Library, Oxford it became
apparent that once certain conditions were met the document could be
relatively easily copied. This was of course simplified through the
enormous advancements in technology that had occurred.
Teresa reported back enthusiastically to Birr Historical Society
that both herself and Joe had been to Oxford and that the Bodleian
Library had welcomed a project for Birr to have a copy of the Macregol
Gospels made for permanent location at Birr. In March 2001 Birr
Historical Society formally accepted the offer of the Trustees of the
Bodleian Library to have a one only exhibition copy of the Macregol
gospels made for Birr, to be displayed to the public free of charge with
copyright in all images retained by the Bodleian.
Last Wednesday evening at the Birr Library and Civic Offices,
Birr Historical Society, officially handed over the CDs and Hard Drive
which were the predominant information and technology used in the
production of the facsimile.
The CDs were produced by the Bodleian Library in Oxford and were
used to transfer the images from the original manuscript into the
printing process by Brosna Press, Ferbane. The digitally photographed
images taken at Oxford University were produced under the supervision of
James Allan, Head of Imaging Services. The manuscript was previewed and
the condition of the binding, vellum, text and illumination noted prior
to digitization and shooting of the manuscript at high resolution. The
process involved some delicate work including the use of a device called
a Grazer which tightly bound the book and sucking back the pages to keep
them flat for scanning.
The Hard Drive work was executed by Diarmuid Guinan and contains
the finished artwork from the manuscript with colour corrections etc.
This information can be used by the library in order to display the
images on a computer screen and through the addition of modern computer
graphics the pages of the manuscript can now be shown turning on
the screen for all to peruse. This ensures that the original facsimile
of the gospels isn't damaged through handling.
Cllr Tony McLoughlin, who accepted the handing over of the
facsimile on behalf of the County Council acknowledged all those
associated with this very worthy undertaking. In particular he thanked
Rev. Irene Morrow, President of the Birr Historical Society, and the
project committee members. He also noted the work carried out by
Diarmuid Guinan at Brosna press and the work carried out in the binding
of the facsimile.
This work was carried out by professional bookbinder, Mr Tony
Cains, who employed the use of the very old terracotta coloured leather
binding of the Book of Armagh as a reference point. Cllr McLoughlin in
particular highlighted the excellent book on the subject matter of the
Macregol gospels produced by Margaret Hogan and also thanked on behalf
of the council the efforts endeavours of Teresa Ryan and her late
husband Joseph Feehan.
Cllr McLoughlin commented that, 'Offaly County Council is
honoured to accept the facsimile of the Gospel Book of Macregol of Birr
and undertakes to display this unique treasure for the benefit of all,
free of charge.' He added that this manuscript represents a link to
Ireland's extraordinary past and the rich heritage laid down by the
early Christians. He concluded by stating that the Macregol gospels are
a testament to the incredible richness of the early Irish monastic
civilisation of Birr and an emblem of the greatness of ancient
Ireland.

13/12/2007
Ten Burglaries In Birr/Roscrea Area
Ten burglaries took place in Birr and Roscrea on Friday night last and
the Gardaí believe that all ten burglaries were committed by the same
group of travelling criminals.
In all instances the break-ins occurred in domestic dwellings. In
Birr one break-in occurred in Clonoghill where a sum of money was
taken.
There were two crimes in Bengal Lodge and in one of these a small
sum of money was taken from a female Old Age Pensioner.
In Hillside two houses were illegally entered but nothing was
taken from them.
In Roscrea three houses in The Haven housing estate were
illegally entered and two houses in the countryside outside the town.
Small sums of money and a small quantity of jewellery were taken from
these dwellings.
One of the houses was badly ransacked with the criminals breaking
eggs all over the rooms.
Meanwhile Councillor Seán Doorley's business premises in Market
Square, Birr was vandalised when its street window was smashed on
Saturday night. Two men and one woman were subsequently apprehended by
the Gardaí for this.

13/12/2007
Drink In Moderation And Avoid Drugs, Advises Birr Chairman
The best way to enjoy the Christmas period was to drink alcohol in
moderation and to avoid drugs, commented the Chairman of Birr Town
Council, Cllr Michael Loughnane, recently.
Cllr Loughnane made his comments at the end of the December
monthly meeting of the Council and he said there may be peer pressure on
young people to try drugs such as hashish or cocaine, but he urged them
to rise above such peer pressure and to avoid drugs.
Drugs, he said, is a fool's game, a game which can have tragic
consequences as we saw in the last week with the tragic death of model
Katy French and the two young men from Waterford.
By advising the public to drink moderately the Councillor was
following the thinking of many wise men who advised that moderation or
the path between extremes was the sensible option for any right-thinking
person, with the extremes perhaps being alcoholism on the one hand and
abstinent puritanism on the other.
The Councillor also referred to Birr's heroin problem. Birr has a
higher than average number of heroin users and many of them are on a
methadone programme in Athlone. Heroin is sometimes associated with the
working class but cocaine has become a middleclass, fashionable drug
which is a worrying development.
But of course most public order offences are directly linked to
alcohol where people drink to excess and lose their self-control. If
drinking is a pleasurable act then losing your self-control and engaging
in violent, aggressive behaviour is the very opposite of what would be
defined as pleasurable.
Prior to his remarks about drink and drugs the Councillor thanked
the other councillors and the Council staff for their emotional support
during what was an extremely difficult year because of his father's
death. He said that in losing his father he lost his best friend.
Cllr Loughnane added that as Chairman he is doing the best job
that he can. 'It is an honour being Chairman of Birr Town Council and I
want to thank Cllr Seán Doorley for standing aside during the year and
allowing me to adopt the Chairman's mantle. I have engaged with it to
the best of my ability but obviously you cannot please everyone. I would
like to also extend my gratitude to the Council staff for their
courtesy, kindness and helpfulness.'
He said that the Councillors and Council Executive have important
decisions to make over the next few weeks.
He congratulated the Birr Senior Hurling Team on winning the
Leinster Championship recently and suggested that the Council host a
joint Civic Reception for both the Birr team and the O'Donoghue family
which broke a Guinness World Record during the Dublin Marathon in
October.
He added that everyone was disappointed to learn of the eight
burglaries in Birr during recent weeks, adding that Birr had a below
average number of burglaries per annum.
Cllr Michael Campbell congratulated the Birr company 'Midland Web
Printing' of Syngefield which recently won a National Print Award.
They received their award during the 30th annual Irish Print
Awards which was a black tie awards dinner attended by 350 guests at the
Shelbourne Hotel in Dublin. The show was compered by Colm Murray of RTE
and a total of 22 awards were handed out during the night. The
provincial newspaper award was accepted by Arnold and James Fanning,
general managers of Midland Web Printing, for the company's printing of
The Clare Champion, which is one of a range of newspapers they produce.
Cllr Campbell said a lot of printing work is being carried out in
Midland Web Printing which is employing a large number of people.
Cllr Noel Russell congratulated the Community School camogie team
which recently lost the Leinster Final.
Mary Gaughran, Town Clerk, told the councillors that it is
proposed to raise the Development Contribution Scheme. This is an
obligatory sum of money which every builder has to pay for each housing
development. She said it is proposed to raise this obligatory payment to
€9,500 per residential unit.
A development contribution is payable on all relevant grants of
planning permission and this money goes towards public infrastructure
and facilities in the area.
The Town Clerk added that in 2007 the Town Council spent wisely
and has a surplus of monies left over.
The Area Engineer said 97 per cent of the broadband ducting has
now been laid in Birr. '35 per cent of our footpaths are now classified
as being in good order as opposed to 26 per cent in 2006.'
He said work will soon be completed on the Civic Amenity Site /
Recycling Centre in Syngefield.

13/12/2007
John Molloy Enthralls Home Audience With Wonderful Concert
Birr has produced some very talented singers and musicians who have made
their names on a wider stage in recent years and one of those returned
to entertain home audiences last Friday night when John Molloy gave a
wonderful concert at Birr Theatre & Arts Centre.
A bass baritone, John is fast making a name for himself in the
world of opera, and it is clear to see why when you hear him perform in
concert like this. Friday night's repertoire included arias from Verdi
and Bellini, a few well known Irish parlour songs and some of the best
known numbers from Broadway musicals from the mid 20th century.
A packed theatre showed their appreciation at the conclusion of
two hours of a musical journey through operas and musicals of the 19th
and 20th centuries.
The evening was further enhanced by the performance of violinist
Lynda O'Connor, whose solo work was a delight to observe. On piano for
the evening was Mairead Hurley, who has been a regular visitor to Birr,
accompanying John Molloy on his regular appearances in his home theatre.
The programme for Friday night looked at two different eras in
the history of music. Opera was very much to the fore in the 19th
century while in the latter part of that century, the parlour songs
become very popular in Ireland, while in Italy, their version of the
parlour song was the Neapolitan Song, which were hugely enjoyed by the
masses.
In the 20th century, the broadway musical came to the fore and
reigned for many years. The musical is still very popular today and many
musical societies throughout the country still perform these for their
annual productions each year.
John Molloy covered all these formats of music in Friday night's
performance, displaying his versatility and musical range.
John has a commanding presence on stage when he is performing and
he really gets into the role of the character who is singing. His facial
expressions and movement on stage all add to the performance.
He also builds up a good rapport with this audience and his
chatty and informative links between numbers add to the enjoyment of the
evening.
Friday night's programme began with a serenade by Gounod
from 'Faust' and the early part of the programme also included arias
from Verdi and Bellini, including Vi Ravviso from 'La Sonnambula' and
Vieni O Levita . . . Tu sul labbro from 'Nabucco'.
These were interspersed with violin solos by Lynda O'Connor. It
was easy to see why Lynda has been described as 'Ireland's finest
young virtuosic violinist'. She could almost make the violin come to
life and her performance enraptured the audience. She displayed
tremendous finger dexterity and great speed and control of the bow as
she entertained with pieces such as Mascagni's 'Intermezzo', Caprice
Basque for violin and piano, the theme from Schindler's List and Banjo
& Fiddle by William Kroll. She certainly seemed to be enjoying
herself as she performed and the audience definitely enjoyed her
interpretation and performances of these pieces.
The first half concluded with a selection of Irish parlour songs.
The songs were all written by James Lynam Molloy, who was actually born
in Offaly. John Molloy has been doing some research into his fellow
county man and namesake and the British Library Museum has over 250
entries under the composers name. The 100th anniversary of the death of
James Lynam Molloy occurs in 2009.
An indication of how successful a composer James Lynam Molloy was
can be gauged from the three songs that John sang, 'Love's Old Sweet
Song', 'Bantry Bay' and 'The Kerry Dance', which are all very well known
and popular numbers, which was proved by the audience who gladly joined
in singing all three numbers.
The second half began with a selection of Neapolitan Songs by
Italian composer FP Tosti, including Marechiare, l'Ultima Canzone and La
Serenata.
In the latter part of the show John concentrated on songs from
the musicals and again these were all familiar to the audience, who
again gladly joined in. 'I Talk To The Trees' from Paint Your Wagon and
'Oh What A Beautiful Morning' from Oklahoma set the scene before John
gave a tremendous interpretation of 'It I Were A Rich Man' from Fiddler
On The Roof. He concluded with 'You'll Never Walk Alone' from Carousel -
dedicated to the Birr hurlers - before returning for a rousing encore of
'O Sole Mio'.
All three performers on the night performed superbly and it was a
hugely enjoyable night. The home town audience certainly got their
money's worth and they will be looking forward to seeing John Molloy
return home again to perform in the not too distant future.

13/12/2007
Birr News Digest
The Chestnut Art Exhibition
The Christmas Art exhibition in The Chestnut, Birr, this year is
entitled 'Seen and Not Heard' by Sorcha O’Raghallaigh. The official
opening is on this Friday December 14th at 7p.m. The Exhibition
continues from Friday December 14th–Friday December 21st (3p.m.–closing).
Seen and Not Heard is a continuation of Sorcha’s installation
‘It's a doll's life’ which was exhibited over the month of September
(2007) in Circus store and gallery Dublin.
Using materials such as water colour, ink, spray paint, crayon,
markers, stitching thread, fabric, beads and buttons, Sorcha captures
fragments of her childhood and the whimsical side of being a girl.
Guest Preacher
St. Brendan's Church of Ireland Church in Birr will have a
special guest preacher at the 11.30a.m. service of Holy
Communion this Sunday, 16th December. He is the Rev. Paul Hoey,
who is Ministry Consultant for CPAS (The Church Pastoral Aid
Society). He is secretary of the Church of Ireland Council for Mission
and Chair of the Church21 Parish Development programme. All are welcome.
Hedgerows & Out Of The Blu
Hedgerows Craft, Gift & Design and Out Of The Blu, Main St,
Birr, invite you to their pre-Christmas shopping evening on Friday
December 14th from 6p.m. to 10p.m. Browse in a treasure trove of gifts
whilst enjoying some seasonal cheer.
Open on Sundays December 16th and December 23rd from 2p.m. to
6p.m.(Advert).
St. Brendan's Community
St. Brendan's Community School invites all past singers and
musicians to join them at 12 noon Mass on Christmas day.
Marian Hall Notes
Bingo; The jackpot on Friday night last was not won. The Jackpot
this Friday night is €3,000 on 48 calls with a top game of €300 if
not won. Lots of side prizes on offer for Christmas including Turkeys,
Hams, Sweets and Biscuits. Calling starts as usual at 8.30p.m.
sharp.
Progressive 25 Drive; Top prize was won on 12 games by Pat Heenan
and Stephen Lonergan. Three pairs had 11 games and shared runners up Pat
Craven and Kieran Guinan, Kieran Daly and Elsie O'Halloran, Kieran
Coughlan and Sonny Ryan. The last game went to Michael Carroll and Ray
Horan while the table prize winners were Liam and Marguerite Shanahan.
Raffle prizes went to Jack Maher, Teresa Bennett and Terri Keenaghan.
Big Christmas game next Sunday night at 9p.m. sharp.
Birr Town Lotto
Lotto numbers drawn in the Birr Town lotto this week were 25, 27,
23, 28 and bonus 12. No winner. Five lucky dips won €40 each. They
were Fergal Mulrooney, c/o Franks, John Guinan, Newbridge St., Fossie
Egan Bulfin Pk., James Hoctor, c/o P.J., Darren Nevin, Main St. Turkey -
Maisie Keeley Clareen, Voucher - Maire Sullivan Annagh.
Next week's jackpot is €17,000 with €3,000 on the bonus. Draw
is in Watkins pub. Grand Christmas draw next Monday night. Lots of
prizes to be won so make sure you have your tickets. Thanks for your
support.
Highfield Utd FC Christmas Draw
Winners of prizes in the Highfield United lotto draw were Tracey
Kinsella - Hennessy, Niamh Coughlan - Powers, Vivienne Maher - Smirnoff,
Craig Courtney Jack - Tin Roses, Matthew King - Jameson, Ann O'Connor -
Jacobs Afternoon tea, Stephen Pardy - Budweiser, Ian Casey - Baileys,
Mick Halvey - Carmen Wine pack, Maura Byrne - Budweiser, Davina Dempsey
- Hamper. Seller: prize John Pardy.
Lotto numbers drawn were 9, 23, 24, 27. No jackpot winner. One
match three winner receives €150 - Pauline McGarry Snr, Seller Stella
Hernon. Next week's draw is in the Sunrise Inn for a jackpot of €7,500.
Chesterfield Community Close
Chesterfield Community Close after school presents their
Christmas show on Tuesday 18th December at 7.30p.m. The children will be
showcasing their 'African Drumming' skills and spreading Christmas cheer
through their Christmas carols.
Birr Mart
Bullocks: 1 aa 680kgs €1,020, 1 lim 440kgs €740, 2 lim 780kgs
€1,080, 1 sim 675kgs €1,025, 1 sim 505kgs €835, 4 her 370kgs €700,
1 aa 465kgs €720, 1 ch 545kgs €835, 4 aa 680kgs €965, 1 bb 760kgs
€1,105. Heifers: 2 her 748kgs €1,070, 2 her 585kgs €890, 3 ch
547kgs €870, 1 lim 510kgs €945, 1 ch 425kgs €675, 3 ch 58kgs €910,
1 ch 630kgs €965, 1 ch 396kgs €630, 1 sim 405kgs €625, 3 aa 480kgs
€680. Dry Cows: 1 ch 625kgs €620, 1 her 690kgs €685, 1 her 595kgs
€615, 1 lim 660kgs €775.
Sheep sale: Thursday 6th December 2007. Lambs: €23 to €30
over a Kg. Cull Ewes: €25 to €49 per head. Forthcoming sales at
Central Auctions Nenagh this Wednesday 12th December at 1p.m. are Dairy
and Suckler sale. Birr, there will be a cattle sales as usual next
Monday 17th December. Sheep sale as usual Thursday 20th December.
Birr Apostolic Workers
The Birr Apostolic workers wish to thank everyone who supported
their recent Christmas draw and also to thank SuperValu and Londis for
use of Premises. They are greatful to sponsors and people who gave their
time to help out. Winners: 1st prize - Billy Carroll Shinrone, 2nd Prize
Hamper - Sally Nugent Green St., 3rd Prize Christmas Cake - Mrs Maeve
Mooney 44 New Rd. Birr, 4th Prize Btl Whiskey - James Staunton Kilkenny,
5th Prize Candles and Holders - Liam O'Donoghue Ballingarry.
Birr Historical Society
A meeting will take place on Monday 17th December at 8p.m. in
Dooly's Hotel. A lecture on Carols will be given. All are welcome.
St. Pio Mass
St. Pio Mass takes place on Tuesday 18th December at 7.30p.m.,
Rosary 7.15p.m.
Clareen ICA
The guild have their meetings at 8p.m. on Monday nights. They are
doing Christmas Card making and the guild is also in progress at the
moment. Three of the members attended the voting in the Burlington Hotel
on Saturday 1st December. They will be arranging Christmas Dinner soon.
If any new members are interested please ring Bridie at 91 31198 as soon
as possible.
Birr Scouts (Santa at the Log Cabin)
The Annual Regional Orienteering event was held in the Slieve
Bloom recently and was organised by Birr. The event which was run in the
Log Cabin area was enjoyed by all and every unit in the region sent a
team with Birr winning the senior event and Coolderry winning the
Junior.
Last weekend nine scouts under the supervision of Mary Hayes and
Padraig Connaughton attended the South East Conference in Mounty Mellary.
The conference session included the new Youth programme, Youth
Participation and the programme event for 2008.
Next weekend (December 15th/16th) the scouts are off to the Log
Cabin to prepare and decorate it for Santa who is coming to the Cabin on
Sunday next (16th December) at 2.30p.m. All cubs and their little
friends are welcome as Santa has assured us that he will be there as
Rudolf wants to meet his cousins in the mountains. He has asked us to
provide a bed for himself and bale of straw for Rudolf as they will work
their way around the Midlands from here on Christmas night. To help out
Santa with his expenses we are holding a raffle at the Bingo session in
the Marian Hall on next Friday night the 14th December. The Leaders wish
to record their sincere thanks to the Marian Hall committee for their
help and support over the past year.
Remember Santa will be in the Log Cabin on Sunday next at
3p.m.
Birr Social Club
Teams Snooker Tournament in aid of the Birr Voluntary Nursing
Unit sponsored by Buckleys Super-Valu Main St. Birr is continuing at
Birr Social Club.
Results: on Tuesday night Bank of Ireland beat E. Nolans 4-1 and
on Wednesday night Jim Cashens beat Gardai 3-2, Larry Broderick winning
the vital game. Friday night's game between M. Nolans and P. Dunphy
stands at two games each. M. Verney to play P. Dunphy in the decider on
Friday next.
Sids v A. Sullivan will be played on Monday night and Derek Kelly
v J. Dwyer will be played on Tuesday night.
Fixtures on Friday 14th Buckleys v S. Brown, Saturday 15th J.
Ryland c/c v M. Parlon at 8.15p.m. The Committee and members would like
to extend a vote of Sympathy to Maura Daly on the recent death of her
brother Donal Beatty, Tullamore.
Birr Methodist Church
The Annual Christmas sale is to be held on Friday 14th December
2007 in O'Connors shop, Main Street (By kind permission) from 10a.m. to
4p.m. There will be on sale Holly, Christmas decorations, cakes, jams
and much more. Your support would be greatly appreciated.
Camcor Bridge Club
Last week's Camcor Bridge Club results were as follows: 1st Nett
- Aileen Watkins and Mary Byrne, Gross - Joe Kearns and Kieran Guinan,
2nd Nett - Michael Dolan and Michael Stephens.
Christmas Trees
Christmass trees, wreaths, candles and decorations at Wards
Gardens Centre, Tullamore Rd., Birr. Tel: 9121215.
Emporium At The Stables
Emporium At The Stables, Oxmantown Mall, Birr December opening
hours: Tuesday to Saturday 10a.m. to 6p.m. Sunday 16th and 23rd, 2p.m.
to 6p.m. On Thursday December 13th and 20th, 'Ladies Retail Therapy
Nights' 7p.m. to 10.30p.m. Christmas Eve opening 10a.m. to 5p.m. Tel
(057) 9120263. (Advert).
Shinrone Social Dancing
Shinrone Social Dancing Christmas Party Night on Saturday
December 15th in Shinrone Community Centre. Dancing 9.30p.m. to
12.30a.m. Music by Unity. Light refreshments. Prizes on door tickets.
All welcome. This is the last dance before Christmas.
Thanks
Many thanks to all who helped in so many ways to make the recent
Kinnitty NS Parents Association table quiz a great success. Thanks to
those who paid for a table and who who donated valuable prizes for the
raffle, the committee are very grateful. A special thanks to Eamon Gath
who gave a brand new stove.
Gem Hardware & Farm Supplies
Gem Hardware & Farm Supplies, Cloghan (090) 6457112 - come on
Friday December 14th and Saturday December 15th to our open days. Lots
of special offers and free gifts. Demonstrations of Draper Power Tools
for the DIY man of woman. Refreshments available for all. (Advert).
Geranne's Boutique
Geranne's Boutique, Ferbane (090 6453815) is open seven days a
week until Christmas. 15% discount for month of December. Louise Marlow,
professional image consultant, will be in attendance on Sunday December
16th from 2p.m. onwards, plus makeover for customers every hour on the
hour. Chocolates and wine served. (Advert).
Busy Bodies Christmas Play
Busy Bodies Christmas play takes place in Carrig Hall on Sunday
December 16th at 3p.m. All donations given at the door this year will be
given to Ballinasloe Hospital Special Care Unit.
If you want a laugh why not go along and support these little
people in Carrig Hall on Sunday.
Birr Resource Centre
Birr Resource Centre is a community facility, providing
affordable meeting space for community and voluntary groups. There
is a free administration service available to local groups.
For more details please phone Mary on (057) 9121912 or call in
the office is open Monday to Thursday from 9.30a.m.-1.30p.m. and Friday
9.30a.m.-1.00p.m.
GROW
A Grow Group meets each week in Birr. If you are someone who
experienced depression or anxiety attacks or who is simply in need of
company do come along. You will have an opportunity to meet others,
share your problems in confidence, get support and make new friends. All
are welcome. No fees. Meetings take place in the Community Health Centre,
The Convent, Wilmer Road, Birr at 7.30p.m.every Tuesday. For further
information please contact Assumpta on (086) 8114135 or (057) 9351124.
Website: www.grow.ie Infoline: 1890 474 474.
Dochas
The Offaly Cancer Support Group is based at Teach Dóchas, Offaly
St., Tullamore. They offer support to people living with cancer and
their families and carers. Opening hours: Monday to Friday 10a.m to
2p.m. Telephone (057) 93 28268 email: dochasoffaly@eircom.net.
Farmers Vegetable Market
Farmers Vegetable Market will be in the Marian Hall Car Park
every Saturday between 10a.m.-5p.m. (Advert)
Medical Herbalist
Emmett Walsh, M.IIMH, M.NIMH, MSc (Herb Med), P.G.Dip (Herb
Med),. B.Arg.Sc. (Hons) Clinic at Roscore, Blueball, Tullamore. Tel:
(087) 2613042 or (057) 93 55844 by appointment only. Clinic at O'Meara's
Pharmacy, The Square Birr on Wednesdays. (Advert)

13/12/2007
Birr Business People Speak Out On Budget Outcome At Local Event
Accountancy Firm, Baker Tilly Ryan Glennon, based in Birr, and Shannon
Development co-hosted a Budget Briefing on Thursday last for local
business people and clients in the Birr Technology Centre, where both
companies are based.
Suzanne O’Neill, Partner in Baker Tilly Ryan Glennon spoke on
how the budget affected business sections and Karen Sheehy Tax Senior,
with Baker Tilly Ryan Glennon gave an overview of the income tax and
stamp duty changes. The feedback received on the night was very
positive and owing to its success, it is an event Baker Tilly Ryan
Glennon would like to host annually for local business people.
Speaking at the event, Jim Cashen, Broker/Owner of Remax
Auctioneers in Birr had a positive reaction to the budget. 'I
welcome the simplified stamp duty reform and feel it will kick start the
stagnant property market and should boost buyers’ confidence that has
suffered badly in the past 18 months. It will provide significant saving
for non first time buyers purchasing 2nd hand homes,' he said. 'When you
look at the overall reform packages with increases in mortgage interest
relief, rent a room relief, tenant rent relief plus nine thousand new
social housing units to be commenced or acquired in 2008, it can only
mean a more positive outlook, with all buyers of property now paying
less,' he added.
Michael Gleeson, Gleeson Modern Homes, Birr broadly welcomed the
outcome of the Budget and hopes it will have a positive affect on the
economy. 'The introduction of tiered stamp duty rates will reduce
the overall related costs for potential purchasers. That, together with
an increase in mortgage interest relief may kick start the sale of
residential property again. However, it will probably take at least
six months before we see the results of these measures,' he said.
Also in attendance at the event was Mr. Michael Kennedy of Michael
Kennedy Motors Limited, Birr. 'I consider the change in VRT rates
to be sensible and will generally have a positive impact. I expect the
sales for bio-fuel, diesel and hybrids to increase as the VRT will
decrease on these vehicles, consequently, the sales of both the larger
petrol and large diesel vehicles will be hard hit as the VRT and extra
road tax will increase on these,' he said.
However, he believes that the increase on road tax is
unnecessary, as it is already expensive compared to the
UK. Speaking about this increase, he added 'the likes of MPV’s
should have been exempt from the increase, as these vehicles are
purchased to accommodate families who need seven seaters in order to
carry a large family instead of having an extra car and thus extra
emissions. The changes in VRT will not take effect until the 1st of July
2008 and the road tax increase from the 1st of February 2008. So if your
road tax in due for renewal soon, try and tax it for 12 months to avoid
the increase.'
Bank of Ireland has strongly welcomed the move on stamp duty by
the Minister for Finance. The Bank is of the view that this change will
be a strong support to prospective buyers of new and second hand houses.
Seamus Pierce, Manager, Bank of Ireland Birr said: 'Bank of Ireland
welcome this news from the Minister as the simplified stamp duty
structure will help to re-establish customer confidence which will in
turn generate a positive impact on the housing market overall. The
strong economic forces that underpin the market are also still in place,
including economic, population and employment growth and favourable
demographics. We also welcome the Minister’s move on the provision of
5,500 new affordable homes, where Bank of Ireland is a leading provider
of finance to get customers on the housing ladder.'

13/12/2007
Birr Chamber Of Commerce Aim To Improve Christmas Lights
It was an aim of Birr Chamber of Commerce to extend and improve the
Christmas lighting but this wouldn't be possible this year as the
current electricity system wasn't able to cope with such an expansion,
Chamber President, Nigel Craughwell, stated at their monthly meeting.
What was needed was an improved electricity system.
Greg Smith, Treasurer, commented that Roscrea had upgraded their
ESB system about a year ago, and that the Chamber was going to be
pushing hard to get Birr upgraded.
The official switching on of the lights took place last Saturday
in Emmet Square. It featured choral singing, Santa Claus & his elves
(who moved through the crowd distributing sweets to children).
He said that once again the Chamber is looking for monetary
donations towards the Christmas lights and this year there has been a
swifter response by sponsors to this cause.
The Chamber will be holding a church gate collection on December
22nd and 23rd which will have Birr's Christmas Lights as its theme and
the monies gleaned from this collection will go towards upgrading the
lights.
Mr Craughwell commented that the Birr Booklet will soon be going
to print and will be published by the time of the next Chamber meeting
in January. He said the Minister for Finance will be launching this
booklet. A previous booklet was published two years ago and 800 copies
were printed. On this occasion 10,000 copies will be printed.
It will be in A4 format, will be glossy and will deal with
business, tourism and hospitality matters relating to Birr.
He added that the creation of a CCTV system in Birr will also be
discussed during the Chamber's January meeting.
Cllr Sean Doorley said he has asked for a meeting with the
Director of Services regarding improving the signage in Birr.
The President said there are problems with the current
installation of broadband which is having a negative effect on some
businesses, but of course the town needs broadband.
However, the President added, it would be inappropriate for this
work to be ongoing during the Christmas period.
He also mentioned once again the dangerous zebra crossing at the
junction of Emmet Square and Emmet Street.
Cllr Michael Loughnane commented that this zebra crossing 'is a
bit like Seffin in that if there was an easy solution to it it would
have been done long ago.'
The opening hours for the festive season were also
discussed and it was agreed that shopowners would be opening on the
three Sundays prior to Christmas beginning from last Sunday. Many shops
will be open in Birr every day from the 9th of December until the end of
Christmas Eve.
Gary Smith addressed the meeting about Birrnet which he has been
working on for the last year. He said that 12 months ago the site had
lost its vitality but he has revamped it and it is now generating
revenue. Last November there were 1800 visitors to the site many of them
seeking news from The Midland Tribune section of the site.
He commented that the site has much potential and plenty of space
for advertising, and the advertising rates are competitive. 'If any
advertiser wishes to change their advert then they can email me and I
will change it within a couple of days.'
He said that some derogatory remarks had been posted on the site
but he was refereeing this practice now.
The President pointed out that some derogatory remarks had also
been made on the Birrnet signs around town.
He added that a few years ago a successful Shopping Bonanza was
held in Birr and the Chamber was proposing to run this again, probably
some time in March.
Cllr Loughnane said it was disappointing that the attendance at
Chamber meetings is fairly small, usually between 15 and 20 people, a
problem that existed when he was President. He suggested texting
reminders to people about an hour before the meeting.
Paul Barber complimented the Chamber executive on the good work
that it is doing.

13/12/2007
Birr Review Magazine 2007 Launched
Each year more and more people eagerly await their copy of The Birr
Review to catch up on all the news and events and happenings in its
pages.
Over the past number of years The Birr Review has built up a
loyal following at home and among Birr people abroad. This year's issue
is just now in the shops and as usual it is packed with lots of
interesting articles as well as the regular reports from clubs and
organisations.
Among the items concerning the activities of Birr people in other
countries are reports on the pilgrimage to Santiago de Compostela in
Spain, the Special Olympics in Shanghi, the Niall Mellon Building
Project in South Africa, Sr. Gabrielle Kearns in Brazil and Lorcan Kenny
in Uganda. There's even a great account of life in a war-torn Iraq by
Dickie Donnelly.
All the churches are featured and there's a fine historical piece
on John Wesley and his frequent visits to Birr. There are lovely
articles on life in Birr in the past. Did you know that Birr had its own
Banbh market and that three Victoria Cross winners came from our town or
that one of its railway lines was actually stolen?
All schools in the area are featured as well as many local
characters and their activities. There are loads of photographs
including a full-coloured double page spread covering all the weddings
of Birr people during the year. On a sadder note the obituary page is a
unique reminder of the much-loved members of our families and our
friends who have sadly passed away since last year.
There is simply too much in the Birr Review to summarise in one
short piece. The best thing to go out and buy one immediately. A copy
costs just €10 and it will make an ideal stocking filler for
Christmas. There is only a single print run and all the copies on sale
are usually sold out very quickly, so hurry. Birr people abroad will
simply love it so don't waste any time in getting it into the post. All
proceeds go to Birr Lions club for their many charities.
The Magazine is available in the shops now.

13/12/2007
Birr Church of Ireland Christmas Services
The 2007 Christmas Services for the Birr Church of Ireland Group of
Parishes are as follows:
Wednesday, 19th December
* Oxmantown School Nativity Play, Birr, 7.00p.m.
Sunday, 23rd December, Advent 4
* Holy Communion, Lockeen, 9.30a.m.; Morning Prayer, Lorrha, 10.00a.m.;
Morning Prayer, Birr, 11.30a.m.
* Ecumenical Carol Service, Birr, 7.30p.m.
Monday, 24th December, Christmas Eve
* Christmas Pageant & Family Communion, Lockeen, 7.00p.m.
* Holy Communion, Birr, 11.30p.m.
Tuesday, 25th December, Christmas Day
* Holy Communion, Dorrha, 9.30a.m.; Lorrha, 10.00a.m.; Birr, 11.30a.m.
Sunday, 30th December, 1st Sunday of Christmas
* Service of the Word & Carols, Birr, 11.30a.m.
Tuesday, 1st January, The Naming of Christ
* Holy Communion, Birr, 11.30a.m.

13/12/2007
News From St. Brendan’s CS
Parent-Teacher Meeting
On Tuesday last the 3rd Year Parent-teacher meetings took place
after school. There was an exceptional turn out of parents on the
occasion and a great sharing of information was facilitated.
Parents’ Meeting
Tony O’Carroll spoke to parents of the school last Monday
evening on the topic of ‘The Facts each parent needs to know about
drugs’. The large attendance were most impressed by his presentation
and left with a greater knowledge on the realities of modern Ireland.
Tony also spoke to year groups of students regarding the abuse of drink
and drugs in today’s society. His undoubted communication skills
clearly got an important message across to his teenage audiences.
Defibrillator
Following the recent sudden death syndrome tragedies among
secondary students and young sports people, the students of St. Brendan’s
took the initiative on Friday December 7th of having an optional non
uniform day. The proceeds of the event will go towards a defibrillator
for the school.
Retreat
The highly popular and spiritually rewarding 1st Year retreat,
facilitated by Leaving Cert. students will take place on Friday next.
Talent Show
The Student Council are organising our fourth annual ‘Talent
Show’, which will bring the current term to an end. Auditions are
taking place during lunch-time and judges are surprised by the
extraordinary range of talent that is coming to the surface again this
year.
Remembrance Service
A well attended Service of Remembrance for deceased relatives
took place in St. Brendan’s Oratory at lunch-time last Tuesday.
Lunch-time Activities
The usual lunch-time activities for 1st year students are
progressing as normal. All tastes are catered for ranging from
table-quizzes, to guitar lessons and soccer leagues. Well done to the
senior students who give freely of their own time to lead these
activities in such a professional manner.
Commiserations
Commiserations to St. Brendan’s senior camogie players recently
defeated in the Leinster B Final. They were a true sporting side, who
played with courage and determination.

13/12/2007
Novel Youth Concert At Birr Theatre
A novel concert of Irish traditional music will take place in the Birr
Theatre and Arts Centre on Saturday 26th January. On that evening the
Comhaltas Youth Groups from Offaly and Tipperary will join forces to
jointly present a programme of traditional music song and dance.
The Offaly group, 'Mol an Oige', led by James Hogan from Killeigh
has been performing for a number of years and were the driving force
behind the youth events at Fleadh Cheoil na hEireann in Tullamore which
drew much praise from all who attended. The Tipperary Group, led by
Tadhg Maher and Claire Quinn was formed over two years ago and they too
were very much involved in the All Ireland Fleadh.
The groups will have had a joint workshop during the day and will
take the stage at 8p.m. Further details will be announced in due course
but booking as usual will be at the Theatre Booking Office (057) 91
22911.

13/12/2007
Birr Camogie Notes
Birr Camogie Club held their AGM last Thursday night and had a poor
turnout on last year's numbers.
The following officers were elected: chairperson - Mary Rigney;
vice-chairperson - Mick Hough; secretary - Caroline McCarthy; joint
treasurers - Carmel Carroll and Frances Teehan; PRO - Caroline McCarthy
and Shauna Walsh; delegate to County Board - Pat Ryan; President -
Camillus King; committee - Gail Spain, Deirdre Cahill, Michelle O'Gorman,
Patrick Hoctor, Des Ryan, Maria Ryan.
Well done to Birr Scor dancers who qualified for the Leinster
Final in set dancing and figure dancing last weekend.

13/12/2007
Golfing In The Glenns
Christmas Vouchers
Looking for ideas for a Christmas gift? Why not consider a Birr
Golf Club Subscription Voucher for your family or friends? Please
call Joan Grimes at (057) 912 0082.
New Members
At the recent AGM the Management Committee proposed that as an
incentive to encourage new members that the entry fee be reduced to €500
for a full member and €800 for family membership for the months of
December, January and February only. This proposal will be reviewed on
an annual basis.
Santa
Santa will pay his annual visit to the Club on Tuesday December
18th at 6p.m. His visit is now a long established tradition and has been
an important date in the social events of the Club. Annette Kenny and
her House Committee look forward to welcoming all to see Santa.
For Your Diary
Monday December 10th to Sunday December 16th; 14h Hamper
sponsored by John and Gail Kelly, Green St. Also 14h Turkeys.
Sunday: Ladies. 9h Turkey Draws for 9.30a.m. to 10.00a.m. and
12.30p.m. to 2.00p.m. Draw for partners on Wednesday at 5p.m.
Wednesday December 12th; 10.30a.m. Seniors. Christmas Dinner at
6p.m.
Tuesday December 18th; 10.30a.m. Bridge in Clubhouse. Members and
their friends most welcome.
Sunday December 23rd; 5p.m. Presentation of Christmas Hampers and
Turkeys.
Results
14h Hamper sponsored by Brian Whelahan. 1st Dave Brown 31 pts.
2nd Fintan Dolan (12) 30pts. Gross: Joe Lyons (+1) 27 pts. 3rd Michael
Lyons (7) 29 pts.
14h Turkey. Sean Cooney, David Browne 31 pts. James Maher 30
pts.
Seniors. 1st Joe Hynes, Colman Loughnane, Martin Hynes 35 nett. 2nd
Michael Stephens, Paul Walshe, John Lynch, Brian Guinan 35 nett.
Ladies
9h Turkey. 1st Jo Conniffe 4 up. 2nd Margaret Murphy and Mary
Bolger (all flat)
Bridge, 1st John and Roma Gilmartin. 2nd Mary O’Gorman and Peg
Monaghan.
1st Phonsie and Maura Kerrigan, 2nd Kevin Delaney and Phyllis Landy.

6/12/2007
Mundy To Officially Switch On Birr Lights
The Christmas lights in Birr will be officially switched on by local
music star Mundy on Saturday evening next.
Although the Christmas lights in the town were turned on last
Friday, the Chamber of Commerce has arranged this official 'switch on'
for Saturday evening next in Emmet Square at 5p.m. and they hope to make
a big event of the whole occasion.
A local group of singers, better known as 'Encore', are going to
sing Christmas Carols both before and after the official switch on.
Santa Claus will also be making an appearance and some of his elves will
be handing out sweets and goodies to all present.
The Chamber of Commerce are obtaining on loan an old switch from
the Museum at Birr Castle Demesne, which Mundy will use to switch on the
lights.
Once the lights are switched on there is a concert in the
Courtyard of Birr Castle. ‘Christmas in the Courtyard’ is proudly
hosted by Mid Ireland Tourism in conjunction with Birr Castle Demesne.
The event will kick off at 6.00p.m. in the Courtyard at Birr Castle
Demesne, just after the Christmas lights are turned on in Birr Square at
5.00p.m. Tickets are €10 for adults and €5 for children, which
include the concert entertainment from ‘Encore,’ a mince pie and
choice of mulled wine or juice.
Tickets may be purchased in advance by contacting Mid Ireland
Tourism at (057) 91 20923, or on the night at the Birr Castle Demesne
visitor’s entrance.
December 8th was always regarded as the traditional start of the
Christmas season and Birr Chamber of Commerce are hoping that Saturday's
event will provide a fitting start to the build up to Christmas in the
town. Everyone is welcome to come along to Emmet Square at 5p.m. to join
in the fun and get into the Christmas spirit.

6/12/2007
Driest Autumn In Birr Since 1933
Autumn 2007 was the driest Autumn for more than 20 years generally but
it was the driest at Birr since 1933, according to figures released this
week by Met Eireann.
A temperature of minus 8.7 degrees Celsius was also recorded at
Birr on November 23rd, the lowest grass minimum temperature during the
Autumn months.
Like the previous two Autumn months, most of November's weather
was dominated by areas of high pressure close to or over Ireland, giving
mainly dry conditions with light winds.
There were also short spells of wet and windy weather around
mid-month and also during the last few days, while overall it was a
cloudy month, especially in the north and east.
Mean air temperatures for the month of between 8 degrees celsius
and 11 degrees celsius were around two degrees higher than normal
generally and close to three degrees above normal in places.
It was the warmest November for between five and 13 years
generally and the warmest on record at Belmullet, where observations
commenced in 1956.
There were two or three air frosts recorded during the month at
most inland stations, but none in coastal areas.
Rainfall totals were below normal almost everywhere, with only
between 50 per cent and 75 per cent of average amounts at many stations.
Little rain was measured in most places between the 1st and 16th and
again between the 20th and 27th, but there were some heavy falls at
other times. The wettest days of the month were in the period 17th /
18th.
The number of wetdays (days with 1mm or more rainfall) during the
month was well below normal for November; only between 9 and 12 wetdays
were recorded generally, compared with the normal range of between 13
and 20.
Sunshine totals for the month were very variable across the
country. While Cork Airport measured 12 per cent more sunshine than
normal, Malin Head's total of only 15 hours represented just 33 per cent
of normal and was its lowest November total since sunshine measurements
began there in 1915.
The lowest grass minimum temperature during the month was minus
8.7 degrees Celsius and was recorded at Birr on the 23rd.
When looking at September, October and November as a whole, Met
Eireann remarked that it was the driest Autumn for more than 20 years
generally and the driest at Birr since 1933. At stations in County Mayo
it was the warmest autumn on record, but at most other stations it was
not quite as warm as the autumn of 2006. Each of the Autumn months was
warmer than the 1961-1990 normal. September and October were sunny
months but November was dull, particularly in the north. Almost all
stations recorded their sunniest days of the season during the first
week of September.

6/12/2007
Birr Tidy Towns AGM
There was a very small attendance at the Annual General Meeting of Birr
Tidy Towns held on the 19th November last. Chairperson Denis
Sheils was very disappointed with the small attendance.
In his address to members at the meeting he highlighted some of
the key points of the year. One of these was acquiring third place in
the Cherished Places County Competition and also the local competition
for the best front garden, estate, shop front, at which there was a very
large attendance at an enjoyable night.
He thanked the Birr Credit Union for their sponsorship of the
local competition and thanked Birr Town Council for all their assistance
during the year. He thanked the volunteers who assisted. Rita Frawley,
Honorary Secretary highlighted the hard work of the Birr Tidy Town
groups for all the work that was carried on the weekly work nights. Paul
Barber, Treasurer relayed that the finances of the group were in a
healthy state.
The three outgoing officers informed those present that they were
not seeking re-election. The following officers were elected Chairman -
Tony McLoughlin, Joint Secretaries Mary McHugh and Judy O'Neill;
Treasurer - John Hoare.
Committee - Maureen Frawley, Rita Frawley, Paul Barber, Denis Sheils,
Mary Lawlor.
The new Chairman outlined his programme for 2008. It continues
with the five year plan, with a special water feature going into the
Mill Island. dded to that to upgrade the green areas at Bridge
Street areas, and to work with the various groups who had a similar
interest with the group. He would also be looking for sponsorship to
carry out the five year plan. He paid tribute to the outgoing officers
for all their work during the year particularly the Church Gate
collection. He thanked Paul for his twenty years of helping to promote
Birr.

6/12/2007
John Molloy Performs At Birr Theatre & Arts Centre
This Friday evening Birr Theatre & Arts Centre plays host to John
Molloy bass, Lynda O Connor violin and Mairead Hurley piano, for a
one-off performance of 19th and 20th Century Music.
John will perform opera arias by Verdi, Bellini and Gounod; songs
by Paolo Tosti and the Offaly born composer, James Lynam Molloy and a
selection of popular show tunes.
Lynda O Connor will play a selection of popular violin
pieces including the haunting Intermezzo from Cavalleria Rusticana by
Mascagni, Monti's riveting Czardas and Kroll's humorous Banjo
& Fiddle.
John Molloy is fast establishing a reputation for his versatile
singing voice in repertoire from the early baroque through to the
present day and his charismatic stage presentation. His future
engagements include performances of Handel's Messiah, conducted by
Prionnsias O Duinn, next week at the National Concert Hall, Dublin
(sold out!), Haydn's Creation in The Hague and his first Verdi
Requiem in Manchester with Stockport Symphony Orchestra.
Along with Lynda O'Connor, Ireland's finest young virtuosic
violinist and the indefatigable Mairead Hurley at the piano, this is an
evening not to be missed. Tickets are available at the theatre
box-office, (057) 9122911.

6/12/2007
Birr News Digest
Annual St Vincent De Paul Collection
The annual St Vincent de Paul Church Gate Collection will take
place on Saturday December 8th and Sunday December 9th. Other
contributions will be gratefully received and receipted.
Wilmer Tennis Club
The annual Christmas Tournament was held at the Wilmer Tennis
Club on Saturday night last. It proved to be a most enjoyable occasion.
The clubhouse was beautifully decorated and certainly created the right
Christmas atmosphere. A little tennis was played but mainly members
enjoyed the festive fare in the clubhouse and a great night was had by
all. Two Santa Clauses even turned up to enhance the occasion!! Thanks
to everyone who helped organise the night, decorate the clubhouse and
who came along on the night. It was a great way to round off what has
been a very good year at the club. Merry Christmas everybody.
Book Club
The next Book Club meeting will be held on Monday, 10th December.
The book for this month is 'The Pursuit Of Love' by Nancy Mitford
(chosen by Olwyn). New members welcome. Enquiries to (057) 91
39028.
Emporium At The Stables
Emporium At The Stables, Oxmantown Mall, Birr December opening
hours: Tuesday to Saturday 10a.m. to 6p.m. Sunday December 9th, 16th and
23rd, 2p.m. to 6p.m. On Thursday December 6th, 13th and 20th 'Ladies
Retail Therapy Nights' 7p.m. to 10.30p.m. Christmas Eve opening 10a.m.
to 5p.m. Tel (057) 9120263. (Advert).
Eglish/Rath Parish Sale Of Work
The Eglish/Rath Parish Sale of Work will take place on Friday
December 7th in the Community Centre after Vigil Mass at 7.30p.m. The
sale will include lots of home baking, jams, preservatives, etc, wheel
of fortune, farm produce and they will also auction hay, silage, timber
and gravel. Your support would be most welcome. All proceeds go to
parish funds.
Lorrha Variety Group
Lorrha Variety Group present three nights of entertainment, drama
and music in Lorrha Community Hall on Thursday December 6th (including
pupils of Lorrha and Redwood NS), Friday December 7th and Saturday
December 8th at 8p.m. Doors open at 7.30p.m. Admission: adults €10,
Senior Citizens and students €6.
Social Dancing
Social dancing in Rath on Thursday night December 6th. Music by
Cupla. There will be a full programme of of dances over the Christmas
and new year season.
'Rockin' All Over The World'
The Sarah Molloy School of Speech And Drama will present their
annual show entitled 'Rockin' All Over The World' in the Marian Hall,
Birr on Saturday December 8th at 8.30p.m. and Sunday December 9th at
4p.m.
Carrig and Riverstown Ladies Group
Carrig and Riverstown Ladies Group will hold their next meeting
on Monday December 10th at 8p.m. As we are on the count down to
Christmas. This will be a very informal meeting. They will have some
lively chat and one or two party games and of course the obligatory
mince pie. Everyone are welcome.
CRK Active Retired Group
Carrig Riverstown Killeen Active Retired Group now have
application forms for security grants for older people in the Carrig
area. The grant covers monitored alarms, security lights, smoke alarms,
window and door locks. Interior emergency lights. As the closing date is
the end of December will anyone requiring any of the items please get in
touch within the next week.
Marian Hall Notes
Bingo; The jackpot on Friday night last was not won. The
jackpot this Friday night is €3,000 on 48 calls with a top game of €300
if not won. Lots of Christmas sideprizes on offer. Calling
8.30p.m.
Progressive 25 Drive; Top prize on Sunday night was shared by
three pairs, Anne and Mai Hough, Tony and Mary Larkin, Dan Foley and
Stephen Lonergan on 11 games. The table prize went to Maura Guilfoyle
and Freda Tierney, while the table prize was won by Mary and Michael
Morgan. Raffle prize winners Liam Shanahan Terri Kinahan and Dan Foley.
Cards continue on Sunday night with a jackpot of €100 on 14 games.
9p.m. sharp.
Birr Town Soccer Lotto
The numbers drawn in the Birr Town FC lotto were 9, 16, 23, 25
and bonus was 15. No winner of Jackpot. Ten people matched three numbers
and receive €20 each. They were Theresa Bergin, Clareen, Kay Mannion,
Lorrha, Frank McDermott, Camon, c/o E. Pardy, Theresa Frawley, Terry
Flanagan, D. Kelly, c/o Willie, Declan Ganley, Meadowville, Annie
Noonan, c/o P.J., Derek Ryan, c/o Willie. Turkey - Peader O'Meara,
Voucher - Gail Spain. Thanks for your support. Next week's draw is in
Nolans.
Birr Social Club
Teams Snooker Tournament in aid of the Birr voluntary nursing
unit (Sponsored by Buckleys Super-Valu Main St. Birr) is continuing at
Birr Social Club. Last week's results: on Monday night John Dwyers beat
Tony Macs 3-2. On Wednesday night Kennos beat Sunrise Inn 4-1, Friday
nights match between Buckleys and Steve Brown was put back due to
hurling commitments. Saturday night Mick Parlon's beat Richie Donnelly's
4-1.
This week's fixtures: Wednesday December 5th Gardai v Jim Cashen,
Thursday December 6th E. Sullivans v Sids, Friday December 7th M. Nolans
v P. Dunphy, Saturday December 8th Kelly v J. Dwyer.
Congratulations to Brian, Pat Joe and Birr Senior hurlers on
winning another Leinster club final on Sunday last.
Birr Mart
Bullocks: 4 ch 449kgs €790, 3 ch 460kgs €810, 1 aa 770kgs €1,090,
1 lim 680kgs €1,080, 2 ch 568kgs €920, 1 sim 655kgs €1,015, 1 ch
780kgs €1,170, 1 sim 825kgs €1,070, 1 ch 435kgs €775, 3 ch 502kgs
€810. Heifers: 1 lim 465kgs €740, 1 her 525kgs €755, 2 aa 503kgs
€745,s 2ch 513kgs €780, 1 ch 575kgs €930, 4 ch 296kgs €520, 3 ch
477kgs €735, 1 ch 540kgs €810, 1 ch 595kgs €885, 5 her 649kgs €935.
Sheep sale Thursday 29th November 2007. Lambs: €24 to €30
over the Kg. Cull Ewes: €26 to €50 per head.
Forthcoming sales at Central Auctions: Roscrea this Friday 7th
December - clearance sale of 20 suckler cows for Mr John Hoolan
Cloneganna Dunkerrin at 12 noon.
Nenagh - Dairy and Suckler sale next Wednesday 12th December at
1p.m. including clearance sale of 30 suckler cows for Mrs Rita Gleeson,
Ballycormack, Moneygall.
Christmas Trees
Christmass trees, wreaths, candles and decorations at Wards
Gardens Centre, Tullamore Rd., Birr. Tel: 9121215.
Shoe B Doo
Due to the success of our 2006 Christmas customer evening, Shoe B
Doo would like to welcome our customers to our 2007 Christmas Customer
evening on Wednesday December 12th from 7p.m.-9p.m. Discounts and
refreshments on the night. See you there.
Birr Mentally Handicapped Association
Please support the annual flag day in aid of Birr mentally
handicapped association on Friday next, December 7th.
Highfield Utd FC
Numbers drawn in the Highfield United lotto this week were 12,
13, 20, 21. No jackpot winner. No match three winner. Five names drawn
each receive €30 each. They were Aoife Cotter, c/o Seller, Cian and
Amanda, c/o K. Nolan, Mrs Mgt Hanlon, c/o J. Hayes, Jim Roberts, c/o G.
Carroll, John Pardy, c/o seller. Turkey: Karen Cotter, c/o D. Colter,
Ham: Frank Coughlan, c/o Cherry Tree. Next week's draw is in the Sunrise
Inn. Jackpot €7,400.
Camcor Bridge Club
Results from Camcor Bridge Club last week were as follows:
First nett Theresa Kelly and Michael Stephens, Gross Ann Hough and Eddie
Nolan, 2nd nett Freda Tierney and Sadie Leonard.
Shinrone Social Dancing
Shinrone Social Dancing on Saturday December 15th. Dancing
9.30p.m. to 12.30a.m. Music by Unity. Light refreshements. Prizes on
door tickets. All welcome. This is the last dance before Christmas.
Geranne's Boutique
Geranne's Boutique, Ferbane (090 6453815) is open seven days a
week until Christmas. 15% discount for month of December. Louise Marlow,
professional image consultant, will be in attendance on Sundays December
9th and 16th from 2p.m. onwards, plus makeover for customers every hour
on the hour. Chocolates and wine served. (Advert).
Gem Hardware & Farm Supplies
Gem Hardware & Farm Supplies, Cloghan (090) 6457112 - come on
Friday December 14th and Saturday December 15th to our open days. Lots
of special offers and free gifts. Demonstrations of Draper Power Tools
for the DIY man of woman. Refreshments available for all. (Advert).
Birr Theatre & Arts Centre
Galloglass Theatre company present Danti-Dan, a play by Gina
Moxley on Thursday 6th December. Gallowglass promises a timely
production of a proven play that will engage and delight both regular
theatregoers and teenage audiences.
Birr’s John Molloy (bass baritone) will be joined by
guests Lynda O’Connor (violin) and Mairead Hurley (piano) on Friday
7th December.
Tallisman Theatre Company present Rudolph the Red Nosed Reindeer
on Monday 10th and Tuesday 11th December. The three shows each morning
at 9.55a.m., 11.15a.m. and 12.35p.m. are heavily booked.
Film Club on Tuesday 11th December will view the French film,
Orchestra Seats.
Box Office open Monday–Friday 1p.m.-5.30p.m. (057) 9122911 or
see www.birrtheatre.com for full details.
Art: Not Just for Girls!
Tin Jug Studio in Birr will be running an introductory art class
for adults on Wednesday, 12th December, 7.30p.m.-9.30p.m. This is to
give beginners and intermediaries a chance to try drawing and painting
with artist and teacher Jennie Boelens, in the cosy and encouraging
atmosphere of the studio. Bookings are being taken for evening classes
and daytime art workshops to start in the New Year. For bookings and
information, please ring Rosalind: (057) 91 21818/(087) 668 1783.
Birr Resource Centre
Birr Resource Centre is a community facility, providing
affordable meeting space for community and voluntary groups. There
is a free administration service available to local groups.
The next adult craft evening will be December 11th at 7p.m.-9p.m. The
topic this month is Working with Acetate. Cost €10 materials and
refreshments will be supplied. For more details please phone Mary on
(057) 9121912 or call in the office is open Monday to Thursday from
9.30a.m.-1.30p.m. and Friday 9.30a.m.-1.00p.m.
Ballyegan Garden Club
Trip to O’Meara’s Garden Centre Mullingar – all those
travelling this Saturday, 8th December please note bus leaves at 10.00
a.m. from Ballyegan Hall, and will be back before 7 p.m. Please phone
(087) 638 0516 with queries.
Next meeting is Wednesday, 12th December at 8.00 p.m. in
Ballyegan Hall. Petals Flowers, Roscrea will give a workshop in the
preparation of arrangements, table centrepieces and swags for Christmas.
Hands-on activity for the night. Materials including oasis and flowers
will be available to purchase on the night, although if you wish to
bring materials to use a nominal fee will be charged.
Alternatively, a standard fee will be charged to cover the cost of the
workshop. Mulled wine and snacks for a fun seasonal evening.
Members & non-members welcome.
GROW
A Grow Group meets each week in Birr. If you are someone who
experienced depression or anxiety attacks or who is simply in need of
company do come along. You will have an opportunity to meet others,
share your problems in confidence, get support and make new friends. All
are welcome. No fees. Meetings take place in the Community Health Centre,
The Convent, Wilmer Road, Birr at 7.30p.m.every Tuesday. For further
information please contact Assumpta on (086) 8114135 or (057) 9351124.
Website: www.grow.ie Infoline: 1890 474 474.
Dochas
The Offaly Cancer Support Group is based at Teach Dóchas, Offaly
St., Tullamore. They offer support to people living with cancer and
their families and carers. Opening hours: Monday to Friday 10a.m to
2p.m. Telephone (057) 93 28268 email: dochasoffaly@eircom.net.
Farmers Vegetable Market
Farmers Vegetable Market will be in the Marian Hall Car Park
every Saturday between 10a.m.-5p.m. (Advert)
Medical Herbalist
Emmett Walsh, M.IIMH, M.NIMH, MSc (Herb Med), P.G.Dip (Herb
Med),. B.Arg.Sc. (Hons) Clinic at Roscore, Blueball, Tullamore. Tel:
(087) 2613042 or (057) 93 55844 by appointment only. Clinic at O'Meara's
Pharmacy, The Square Birr on Wednesdays. (Advert)

6/12/2007
Birr Comhaltas Reviews Successful Year
The members of the Birr Branch of Comhaltas Ceoltoiri Eireann held their
AGM in the County Arms Hotel on Wednesday last. All the reports
before the meeting indicated a very busy and satisfactory year.
Amongst the highlights covered by Donal Morrissey in his
Secretary's report were the Internatonal set dancing festival held in
June and the visit of the Echoes of Erin concert group to the Birr
Theatre and Arts Centre in October. The set dancing festival has gone
from strength to strength and is now one of the country's major dancing
events.
For many members the highlight of the year is the Annual
Christmas/New Year session in the County Arms Hotel. This year's event,
which will take place on January 2nd, has been extended to include an
awards night.
Attracting less attention but perhaps the most important work of
the organisation is the teaching of traditional music and this is done
very effeciently by Olivia Douglas at the weekly Monday night class in
the Marian Hall. It is still a source of disappointment that this
excellent facility is not being availed of by more parents in the area.
Set dancing classes are conducted by Donal Morrissey each
Thursday evening also in the Marian Hall. The members also expressed
appreciation of the exposure given to traditional Irish music on the
Midlands 103 programme 'Coppers & Brass.' This programme is
now broadcast worldwide on the internet and can be accessed on
www.midlands103.com. It is suggested that local people include
this information with their Christmas greeting to friends and relatives
overseas to enable them to keep in touch with local activities.
Treasurer Mary Darcy as usual kept the finances in order and the
list of income and expenditure indicated the range of activities
undertaken by the branch. On the positive side all events showed a
profit. Warm tributes were paid to Donal and Mary for their work and
efficiency over the year.
Public relations officer Padraig O'Dufaigh in his report thanked
the local media, particularly the Midland Tribune for the vast amount of
coverage given to comhaltas activities. 'We are the envy of our
colleagues in other parts,' he said. He also thanked the
management and staff of the County Arms Hotel for all their facilities
and the committee of the Marian Hall. Padraig also pointed out that 2008
would be a significant year for the branch as it would mark their 50th
year of active participation in the work of comhaltas.
All the outgoing officers were re-elected. They were as follows
Chairman - Jim Kinsella; Vice-Chairman - Tom Douglas; Secretary - Donal
Morrissey; Treasurer - Mary Darcy; Auditor - Helena Spain; PRO - Paddy
Duffy; Youth Officer - Olivia Douglas; Delegates - Donal Morrissey and
Mary Darcy.
Sympathy was extended to all who had suffered bereavements during
the year.
A special meeting will be held in mid January to plan activities
for the coming year.

6/12/2007
Budget 2008 Briefing In Birr Technology Centre
Shannon Development are hosting a budget briefing on Thursday evening,
December 6th at 5p.m. in Birr Technology Centre to provide local
businesses and entrepreneurs with an overview of Budget 2008 and its
impact on Irish businesses.
As part this Budget 2008 business briefing, Baker Tilly Ryan
Glennon will give an extensive overview of how the Budget will affect
businesses and the self-employed. Baker Tilly Ryan Glennon are a leading
accountancy firm with offices in Dublin, Belfast and at Birr Technology
Centre. They are part of Baker Tilly International, one of the top ten
global accountancy and advisory firms.
'This networking event provides an overview of the Minister of
Finance's decisions in relation to the Budget for the coming year, and
how these decisions will affect tax rates in relation to income tax,
corporation tax, VAT, pensions and other issues affecting small and
medium businesses generally,' according to Denis Duggan, Regional
Development Executive with Shannon Development.
For those interested in attending, please contact Denis or Verona
at Birr Technology Centre on (057) 9124000 or email duggand@shannondev.ie
. Spaces are limited and booking is essential.

6/12/2007
Birr Withstand Second Half Ballyboden Rally To Win Record Seventh Title
By John O'Callaghan
AIB Leinster Club Senior Hurling Final: Birr 1-11 Ballyboden St Enda's
0-13
Birr had to call on all their experience and craft to withstand a wind
assisted Ballyboden onslaught in the second half to claim a record
seventh Leinster Club Senior Hurling title after a dramatic final played
at O'Connor Park, Tullamore on Sunday last.
Birr had built up a nine point lead when they were backed by the
wind in the first half but as Ballyboden whittled away their advantage
in the second half Birr's dreams of glory looked to be slipping away.
But they kept their heads and grabbed two vital points in quick
succession to steady the ship and then they held on valiantly in the
closing minutes.
It was a real rearguard action from Birr in the second half but
they stood up and were counted when it mattered and they did just about
enough to hold on for victory by the minimum margin.
This victory puts Birr on top of the Leinster Roll of Honour with
seven titles, one ahead of Rathnure, and for captain Brian Whelahan it
gives him the unique distinction of being the only player to have been
part of all seven victories.
By beating Dublin representatives in the final, it means they
have also beaten clubs from the four main hurling counties in Leinster
in provincial finals following victories over Kilkenny, Wexford and
Laois clubs in previous finals, and they are the only club in the
province to have done that.
It was heart stopping stuff in Sunday's final and for stages of
the second half it looked like Birr might not hold on. Ballyboden had
the bit between their teeth but when it came down to it at the death
they weren't able to reel Birr fully in and the Offaly men celebrated
another success.
Birr had got off to a great start and were four points up after
eight minutes. However they weren't making the wind advantage pay and
they failed to score for the next 11 minutes by which time Ballyboden
cut their lead to just two points. But Birr finished the half strongly,
spurred on by a Paul O'Meara goal, set up by Brian Whelahan, and they
scored 1-4 in a seven minute spell to go in leading by 1-9 to 0-3 at the
break.
A nine point lead might sound like a big advantage but
considering the strength of the wind it certainly wasn't insurmountable.
The consensus at half time was that Birr would be able to pick off
enough scores against the wind to keep their noses in front.
However Ballyboden came out and fired over three points in the
first four minutes to serve notice that they meant business. Before the
midway point of the half the lead was down to just a goal and Birr still
hadn't scored in the half. Ballyboden were on top and it looked like
just a matter of time before they would hit the front.
Two further points by the 22nd minute had the lead down to the
minimum as they struck eight points without reply and Birr were hanging
on. Then after 23 minutes Birr finally broke their duck for the half and
quickly followed up with another and the gap was a goal again. That
broke Ballyboden's momentum for a few minutes and gave Birr renewed
life. Ballyboden picked off two more points to get it down to the
minimum again but time ran out on them and Birr were champions for the
seventh time since 1991.
It was a great day for Birr and they cemented their reputation as
one of the top clubs in the game. Having lost last year's final by a big
margin to Ballyhale it was a big ask to come back again this year and
reach another provincial final but not only did they do that but they
regained the title they last won in 2002.
The conditions on Sunday were reminiscent of that day in 2002
when Birr defeated Young Irelands. Wind and rain made it very difficult
for both sides with the wind blowing down the field from the road goal
at O'Connor Park. The strength of it could be judged from the puck outs.
In the first half Brian Mullins was landing them around the opposition
20m line while in the second half they stuggled to make his own 65m
line.
That meant that the wind was going to dictate the play and having
won the toss Ballyboden opted to play against the elements in the first
half. When they only trailed by 0-4 to 0-2 early in the second quarter
they must have thought they had made the right decision but Birr's
strong finish to the half put a different perspective on the scoreboard
and left them with a bigger job to do after the break.
They set about that task in impressive fashion and picked off
their points well from out the field. They knew they had the time to get
the lead down by just taking their points and they didn't try to go for
goals. Indeed they didn't really create any goalscoring opportunity over
the hour and that is a credit to the Birr defence as well. Ballyboden
took their points from out the field but when they did try to get near
the Birr goals their way was blocked by a resolute defence.
Ballyboden's best chance of a goal was probably from a 20m free
with five minutes left. Birr had just scored two points to go a goal up
again when a free was moved to a central position following dissent.
David Curtin could have gone for goal but he was instructed to take his
point as Ballyboden felt they still had time to get the necessary
scores. As it was they only managed one other point from a free and came
up a point short at the final whistle.
Birr got the only goal of the game and they also created a couple
of other chances that weren't taken. In the very first minute Simon
Whelahan pulled on a breaking ball that flew inches wide. Keith Hehir
had a kicked effort from close range diverted out for a '65' while
minutes later from a long Brian Mullins puck out Stephen Brown's first
time pull from an angle was well saved by Gary Maguire.
The crucial goal, which ultimately decided the game, came in the
25th minute when good Birr pressure resulted in Keith Hehir sending
Brian Whelahan away. He closed in on goals before popping a pass across
to Paul O'Meara and he batted the ball to the net.
Had Birr lost they probably would have rued a few missed chances
from frees. Brian Whelahan was off target from a '65' and a close range
free from a difficult angle in the first half and then in the second
half he failed to rise a ball properly and his effort went along the
ground. That came at a crucial time as Ballyboden had just started the
half well with three quick points and a Birr score would have meant a
lot to halt their early momentum but as it was it took them 23 minutes
to get their first score of the half by which time their nine point lead
had been cut to just one.
Both sides dropped players back when facing the wind. Conal
Keaney drifted back for Ballyboden in the first half but Birr detailed
Michael Verney to follow him and Keaney actually gave away one point by
passing the ball directly to a Birr man.
In the second half, particularly towards the end, Brian Whelahan
and Simon Whelahan, both dropped back, as they had done against
Ballyhale, and they did great work in helping out the defence, which was
under a lot of pressure. It did mean Birr were short of bodies up front
when the ball did go upfield and it came back at them quickly again.
Considering the difficult both sides were pretty economical with
possession with Birr recording eight wides and Ballyboden just five. The
Dublin men were awarded 13 frees over the hour with just five awarded to
Birr.
Once again the Birr defence did a terrific job. Brian Mullins
kept another clean sheet in goals while John Paul O'Meara, Michael
Verney and Brian Watkins all played very well in a strong defensive
unit.
Rory Hanniffy had a terrific first half at midfield and he and
Barry Whelahan did well overall in the middle of the field. In attack
Paul O'Meara emerged as the hero on this occasion with a great tally of
1-4, while Brian Whelahan, Gary Hanniffy and Simon Whelahan also
contributed enormously to their success.
Ballyboden were bidding to become the first Dublin club since
Crumlin in 1979 to win a Leinster title and they will be very
disappointed to have gone so close and come up just short. Gary Maguire
made a couple of very important saves while in defence Stephen Perkins,
Daragh Spain and Malachy Travers were very much to the fore.
David Sweeney made an impression when he switched to midfield for
the second half while in attack Emmet Carroll, Simon Lambert and sub
Shane Durkin did well. Conal Keaney won some good ball in the air but in
general was well marshalled.
Birr almost made the perfect start when good pressure by Paul
O'Meara and Keith Hehir in the first minute led to the ball running
loose and Simon Whelahan pulled first time and the ball went just
outside the post. The same player did open the scoring for Birr after
four minutes after collecting a crossfield pass from Gary Hanniffy and
pointing from 50m.
After good play by Paul O'Meara, Brian Whelahan was fouled and he
took the free himself to add Birr's second point. Then Keith Hehir
caught a high ball from Gary Hanniffy but he was closed down as he came
in from a tight angle on the right and his kicked effort went out for a
'65' which Brian Whelahan pointed. Gary Hanniffy then set Rory Hanniffy
away on a run and he finished with another point and Birr were 0-4 to
0-0 in front after eight minutes.
It was a great start for Birr but they didn't build on it. From a
long Brian Mullins puck out the ball broke inside the 13m line on the
right and Stephen Brown pulled first time but Gary Maguire saved at the
expense of a '65' but this time Brian Whelahan was off target.
Ballyboden got their first point after 12 minutes when David
Sweeney linked with Emmet Carroll and his dipping shot was touched over
the bar by Brian Mullins. They added a second point after 16 minutes
when David Curtin pointed a free from 50m after Paul Ryan had been
fouled. Birr had a chance of an immediate reply when Simon Whelahan was
tripped but Brian Whelahan's free from near the right sideline went
across the goals and wide.
Birr had gone 11 minutes without a score before Paul O'Meara
lofted a high ball over the bar from the right after 19 minutes. Four
minutes later Sean Ryan, just on as a sub, closed on goals before
passing to Paul O'Meara and he shot over.
Birr kept on the pressure and when Michael Verney sent a high
ball goalwards, it broke for Keith Hehir, who quickly transferred to
Brian Whelahan. He closed in on goals before passing across to Paul
O'Meara and he batted the ball into the net.
Birr had their tails up and Barry Whelahan's pass sent Rory
Hanniffy away and he scored a good point from out the field. Conal
Keaney then gave the ball away and Paul O'Meara availed of the chance to
shoot another point. Shane Durkin pulled a point back from a difficult
angle late in the half but Birr responded again and when Brian Kennedy
slipped trying to clear the ball went straight to Barry Whelahan and he
put it over the bar to give Birr a 1-9 to 0-3 interval advantage.
Ballyboden rejigged their team at half time bringing David
Sweeney and Simon Lambert to midfield and it was Lambert who got them
off to a flying start to the half with a point after 17 seconds after
good work by Emmet Carroll and Shane Durkin. A minute later Emmet
Carroll took a pass from David Sweeney and pointed and then David Curtin
pointed a 66m free and the gap had been cut to six points after just
four minutes.
Brian Whelahan then mishit a his free low and Paul O'Meara was
off target with another effort as Birr missed opportunities. David
Curtin pointed another free after seven minutes and five minutes later
added another from his own 65m line. When Stephen Hiney and tim Sweeney
linked up to set up Shane Durkin for another point it was 1-9 to 0-9
thirteen minutes into the half.
It stayed that way for seven minutes as Birr tried to halt the
Ballyboden momentum. Then Conal Keaney pointed from the right wing and
two minutes later David Curtin sent the ball to Enda Kinsella, who made
a good catch before pointing, and the gap was down to a single point
with eight minutes left.
Birr were struggling to hold on but after initial work by Michael
Dwane and Paul O'Meara, Brian Whelahan sent a low cross to Simon
Whelahan and he sent over Birr's first point of the half after 23
minutes. Less than a minute later Niall Claffey fed Gary Hanniffy and
his delivery found Michael Dwane, who passed to Paul O'Meara and he
slotted over another point as Birr steadied the ship.
Ballyboden came back and David Curtin elected to take his point
from a 20m free with five minutes left. A minute later Conal Keaney
looked to have got away but Dylan Hayden made a great hook as he tried
to shoot and the danger was cleared. The Birr defence defended stoutly
as Ballyboden piled on the pressure. With the 30 minutes just up David
Curtin pointed another free from inside his own 65m line and the gap was
down to a point again.
Ballyboden pressed but in the final seconds David Sweeney's
sideline cut from about 65m out was just to the left to the posts and
with in went Ballyboden's last chance. Birr held on and were crowned
champions for the seventh time.
BIRR: Brian Mullins; John Paul O'Meara, Niall Claffey, Michael
Verney; Brian Watkins, Paul Cleary, Dylan Hayden; Barry Whelahan (0-1),
Rory Hanniffy (0-2); Gary Hanniffy, Brian Whelahan (0-2, 0-1 free, 0-1
'65'), Simon Whelahan (0-2); Stephen Brown, Paul O'Meara (1-4), Keith
Hehir. Subs. Sean Ryan (for Stephen Brown, 22 mins), Michael Dwane for
(Keith Hehir, 46 mins).
BALLYBODEN ST ENDA'S: Gary Maguire; Cathal Ryan, Stephen Perkins,
Daragh Spain; Malachy Travers, Tim Sweeney, Stephen Hiney; David Curtin
(0-6, all frees), Brian Kennedy; David Sweeney, Enda Kinsella (0-1),
Simon Lambert (0-1); Paul Ryan, Conal Keaney (0-1), Emmet Carroll (0-2).
Subs. Shane Durkin (0-2) (for Emmet Carroll, inj., 13 mins), Emmet
Carroll (for Brian Kennedy, half time), Michael Griffin (for Enda
Kinsella, 54 mins), James Doody (for Paul Ryan, 60 mins).
REFEREE: Anthony Stapleton (Laois).

6/12/2007
Birr Captain Relieved To Hear Final Whistle
'My instant reaction is relief, total relief,' Birr captain Brian
Whelahan said after leading his side to a record seventh Leinster title
with a one point victory over Ballyboden St Enda's at O'Connor Park,
Tullamore.
In a career that has seen him named on the Team of the
Millennium, win two All-Ireland titles with his county, four with his
club, win 11 Offaly senior hurling medals, Brian Whelahan now has
another unique distinction as he is the only player to have won seven
Leinster Club medals - a great record.
Brian captained Birr to their first Leinster title in 1991 when
they defeated Ballyhale Shamrocks and now 16 years later he has repeated
that feat but whereas that first title was won by a big margin, Sunday's
was by the minimum and Birr were delighted to hear the final whistle.
'I defintely thought it was gone,' he said. 'I missed the free
and we probably had a chance to get a point or two, so when we didn't
get them I thought this is not going to be for us. Simon's point and
Paul O'Meara's point straight away together gave us a little cushion
again and a goal at that stage was always going to be hard to come by.
The backs had pulled together a little bit tighter and it was going to
be points but fair play to Ballyboden, they brought it back down to the
minimum again.'
'When the referee turned to Simon and said it's over, it was just
huge relief. I am delighted for the lads in there who trained really,
really hard. It has been a year that I thought we would never have come
back after last year's defeat. We knuckled down to it and when we came
out of Offaly, and some people might say we were lucky to come out of
Offaly, but when we did, we trained really hard again and eventually it
has worked out for us,' the Birr captain said.
'We are under no illusions. Today is a great day for Birr and I
hope it is a great day for Offaly as well. I hope it shows other clubs
and especially the county players in Offaly that with a lot of hard work
and a little bit of luck, we'll be back competitive again.
'We are facing into the new year against our old rivals Dunloy
and wherever that is going to be played, I know it is going to be a ding
dong battle as well. I am sure Gary O'Kane and his boys were down
looking at this match and they fear nothing coming out of Leinster and
that will be the case,' Brian added.
Looking back at the decisive goal in the game, Brian recalled
that 'Keith Hehir got it and I ran off him and he popped it out to me. I
was going to tap it over the bar but I saw there was no one in front of
me but I sensed I think it was Timmy Sweeney on my back and I think at
that stage Stephen Perkins had come across so I said I would flick it
across and thankfully for a change the ball went into the back of the
net.'
'I was delighted for Paul O'Meara today because he answered a lot
of critics. He came off with 1-4 and I am delighted for him. It has been
a tough year for Paul and he has had a lot of knockers but I think he
proved today that he is well worth his place,' Brian said.
Brian said the significance of the victory hadn't hit him yet.
'It hasn't sunk in yet but I think we are the only ones with seven now.
Tonight when we go back and sit down and have our meal and tomorrow
morning it will really sink in but for the moment, huge, huge relief,
that is all I can say. When they had the lead knocked down to a point
with 10 minutes to go I just said to myself it's not looking good but we
just managed to get on a few balls and worked the ball up the field and
thankfully, we got two points and we held on, basically we held on and
that is it,' he said.
Asked what another All-Ireland would mean at this stage he
replied 'I wouldn't even think of an All-Ireland at this stage. I don't
think there is a team left in the championship that could think of an
all-Ireland other than maybe Portumna. Portumna are probably the
strongest team left in the championship. They showed in their own Galway
championship that they are very hungry. they look to be the class act at
the moment. Loughmore will go and rattle the cage against Portumna and
I'm sure it will be a ding dong battle but I am sure anyone that is left
in it will be eyeing Portumna as the top team left. We have Dunloy and
Dunloy in a semi-final are very hard beaten. They have huge scalps
to their name and they will be looking to add Birr to it in February,'
the record maker said.

6/12/2007
One Point Win The Nicest Win Of All
'One point is the nicest win of all, very sweet,' said Birr manager Pat
Joe Whelahan after his side's 1-11 to 0-13 victory over Ballyboden St
Enda's in the Leinster Final at O'Connor Park, Tullamore on Sunday last.
'We’re one hour away from St Patrick’s Day, one hour and that
is going to drive us.' he said as he looked forward to a semi-final
meeting with Dunloy in the Spring.
The Birr manager has seen and done it all before but his
enthusiasm never wanes and his delight was clear for all to see after
Sunday's narrow victory.
Sunday's win was far from playing sailing and the Birr manager
admitted that they were worried in the second half when Ballyboden came
back at them and Birr were struggling to get scores.
'I thought after playing with the wind in the first half we still
had a chance at half time, but when Brian missed the free after half
time we were worried. They (Ballyboden) are a very fit team, they are a
good team with some great hurlers but we finished well and fair play to
the boys.
'We trained hard for this and we are in good shape and we wanted
to win it and get back into training on St Stephen’s Day and we’re
in Clones the next day and the bandwagon is back on the road again,' Pat
Joe said.
It was pointed out that Birr went 23 minutes before scoring in
the second half and he replied: 'I know there was a strong breeze out
there and it’s not that easy when the ball is being pucked down on top
of your own full back line, but I knew they wouldn’t score a goal with
Mullins in the goals, he was well warned before the game and the back
line covered good.
'Everyone picked up their men and followed them no matter where
they went and the bit of ground hurling helped as well. This win is
great for Offaly hurling,' he added.
Pat Joe returned as Birr manager after a two year gap this year
and he said 'I knew there was something in this team. There are great
hurlers in Birr and great young lads. The last two years in Birr I was
worried about it, things weren’t going well and I came back to
straighten them out.
'The most important championship we won this year was the
Intermediate and it keeps all those young lads at play and keeps them
happy and that championship was so important for us to win, it brought
all the young lads back.
'Ballyboden are a good team. They have some great hurlers, Keaney,
Hiney, boys from Dublin and lads from Wexford. They are a very strong
team. Look at Birr they are very young. The oldest man on our half back
line today was Dylan Hayden and he's just 22 years of age. It is great.
I think it's great. One point is the nicest win of all, very sweet.,' he
said.
Selector Billy Mullins added ' young Watkins had a great game, as
did Rory Hanniffy. I thought when Brian missed that free it was
curtains, but we held strong there at the end. It is great for Brian
Whelahan, captain after 20 years playing. It is fantastic for him and
all the lads.'

6/12/2007
Birr's New Full Back Caps A Great Year With Another Leinster Title
Niall Claffey have been one of the revelations of Birr's march to Offaly
and Leinster titles over the last couple of months.
He has always been one of Birr's most consistent players but for
the Offaly quarter final against Tullamore he was given a new role at
full back and he has quickly adapted to the position and has given some
great performances since.
Playing at full back, he was in the thick of the action when
Ballyboden launched their second half comeback.
'It was tough going in the second half. We didn't think we would
go as bad as we did in the second half. Their physical size came out on
top. We got ourselves in trouble. We didn't do much ground hurling and
that got us in trouble in the second half,' he said.
'I wasn't too worried when they got a good start to the second
half because I said we still have it but then as the game went on and it
came down to two points I thought we are not going to win this. Then I
heard Brian Mullins ask the umpire how long was left and he said three
minutes and I couldn't believe it as I thought there were about 10
minutes left. When I heard that it kept us going toward the end,' he
added.
'I would like to meet them on a calm day to see what they are
like and what we are like as it is difficult on a day like today to know
what teams are like because is is a game of two halves. They came a lot
stronger at us in the second half that we did. The goal made a
difference. Goals win games and we were lucky to get the goal,' the full
back said.
Niall said they didn't think that a nine point lead at half time
was enough. 'We were kind of wary of it. You might think being nine
points up is great but you have to see the other side of it and if you
lose, people say you're after throwing away a nine point lead so you are
under pressure either way and you can't be too relaxed going out.'
Birr went a long time in the second half without scoring. 'They
were getting on top and we weren't scoring. We weren't even getting the
ball down the field. When we did get it down there, it was coming out a
bit quick but once or twice if did go in we held it up. We got the goal
and Simon missed one in the first half and in the second half we missed
another chance but they had no chances. We can't complain too much.'
'In the first half they was no ball coming in around the square.
We were on top but in the second half I suppose my man got two balls and
he did very well and Dylan helped me out one time when he hooked him but
a lot of the play was out the field. The play was around our half
backline and midfield so it was a strange game in that way,' he said.
Niall won his first Leinster medal 10 years ago and he said he
didn't think that ten years later he would be adding another to his
collection. 'It is grand to be back. It is a great achievement for the
rest of the lads. I am not the only one. Barry Whelahan is there and
Brian Mullins, Gary was there in 1995, Simon was there so there are a
good few lads there 10 or 12 years. It shows the commitment the boys do
show. It is a fair achievement for anyone who is there from 10 years
ago, but look at Brian. It is a huge committment. We were in college
back then but we are all working now. It's getting tougher every year,
it doesn't get any easier so it is a fair achievement,' Niall added.
'We meet Dunloy now and we never got it too handy against them.
It is a new team going up. The last time we met them it was a settled
team. We met them twice, in a semi-final and a final, so it was the same
bunch of players so you are confident back then but now it is a new
team. We beat them three times and drew with them and people will say
you should win again but it is a new team so you can't really say you
beat them before,' he pointed out.
Referring to his move to full back during this year's campaign,
Niall said it is a change. 'When you play wing back you probably enjoy
it more because you understand it a bit more but at full back you have
to know when to go in and when to stand off. I am taking it game by
game. Against Tullamore I was very green to it but hopefully I have
improved since then,' he said.

6/12/2007
Loreto Show Experience To Claim Leinster 'B' Camogie Title
Leinster Camogie Senior 'B' Final; Loreto, Wexford 5-12 St. Brendan's
CS, Birr 2-4
St. Brendan's Community School senior camogie team suffered defeat
against a strong Loreto school side from Wexford in the Leinster Senior
'B' Camogie final at Dr. Cullen Park, Carlow on Saturday last.
It turned out to be a disappoining outcome for the St. Brendan's
team who came up against a more stronger and experienced team from
Wexford on the day. St. Brendan's reached the All-Ireland 'C' camogie
final earlier this year, and went up to the 'B' grade after that, so to
make it into the Leinster final at the higher grade at the first attempt
is a great achievement. Loreto turned out to be formidable
opposition on the day in a match played in very cold and blustery
conditions.
Loreto set out their stall in the early stages and put the St.
Brendan's backs under a great deal of pressure making different chances
for their players. They had some key players in their team, and one of
those was Katrina Parrock who caused a lot of problems for the Birr
backline and hit the majority of her team's scores including three goals
before the end. She could have been nicknamed 'Hurricane Katrina' as her
efforts on goal were often relentless for her team.
St. Brendan's found the net for two goals in the second half sent
scored by Emma Dunne and Ann Cordial. St. Brendan's fell behind in
the first half and when Loreto began to get scores on the board St.
Brendan's had to try and play camogie to get back into the match.
Loreto found the net with five goals overall, four of those
netted in the first half. The goals were a key factor and didn't
give Birr enough of a chance to turn matters around. St. Brendan's
rallied on a few occasions and full forward Bebhinn Kennedy hit two
points as captain Aoife Corrigan scored a point and Michelle Gleeson was
on target also. St. Brendan's came close and perhaps should have scored
a goal in the first half but were denied by the Loreto defence who just
about cleared their lines.
When Birr scored their goals in the second half it cut Loreto's
lead but they still had a bit more to do to try and catch up with them.
Loreto though looked determined and were able to find scores at the
other end to keep their lead intact.
Loreto began well in the early stages with a goal and a point
scored by Katrina Parrock. St. Brendan's hit their first point with an
effort by captain Aoife Corrigan. It was followed with a point by full
forward Behinn Kennedy to make it 1-1 to 0-2. Loreto went three points
ahead before St. Brendan's went close with a chance at the other
end.
Loreto then got in for a second goal when Laura Rowe passed to
Katrina Parrock who sent a fortunate enough shot to the net. It gave
them a boost at a right time and managed to add to their tally soon
after. The St. Brendan's defence came under a lot of pressure from the
experienced Wexford forwards and scored a third goal when Lisa Bolger
finished to the net.
St. Brendan's hit a point from a '65' by Michelle Gleeson but the
Loreto girls enjoyed a good spell in the half. Behinn Kennedy struck a
point for Birr again then Loreto ended the half the stronger with a
fourth goal scored by their dangerous player Katrina Parrock to lead at
the interval by 4-6 to 0-4.
St. Brendan's scored their first goal eight minutes into the
second half when Emma Dunne sent her shot to the net. It was what
St. Brendan's needed then seconds later they netted a second goal scored
by Ann Cordial to give them a small chink of light at that
point.
However Loreto still had a sizeable lead and were in control
midway through the second half. St. Brendan's battled to try and
get back into the contest but Loreto were still in control, and didn't
look like they would be caught as they went on to claim the Leinster 'B'
camogie title.
LORETO: Caroline Curran; Marie Doran, Liz Leacy, Katie Berney;
Sarah Wade, Roisin Doyle, Aisling O'Connor; Aoife Morrissey, Rita
Carroll (capt); Linda Bolger (0-2), Katrina Parrock (3-8), Lisa Bolger
(1-1); Sinead Parrock, Laura Rowe (1-0), Mary Hayes (0-1). Subs: Roisin
Barnes (for Mary Hayes); Deirdre Hopkins (for Laura Rowe); Eve Kelly
(for Linda Bolger); Grace Kelly (for Sarah Wade); Clara McGuinness (for
Sinead Parrock).
ST. BRENDAN'S CS: Mary Hogan; Caoimhe Kennedy, Grace Ryan, Mary
Bergin; Maura Ryan, Mary Teehan, Leanne Scully; Kady McKenna, Mairead
Dooley; Roisin Coughlan, Michelle Gleeson (0-1, 0-1 '65'), Emma Dunne
(1-0); Ann Cordial (1-0), Behinn Kennedy (0-2), Aoife Corrigan (capt)
(0-1). Sub: Julie Stephens (for Mary Hogan).
REFEREE: John Pender (Kildare).

6/12/2007
Clondalkin Use Elements In Their Favour To See Off Birr
Leinster League: Birr 7 Clondalkin 34
On Sunday last Birr took on Clondalkin in wind swept Ballyegan
and despite the good start the visitors left with the points, and Birr
with frostbite. With the wind on their backs Birr got off to the best
start with good ball delivered from a scrum on the 22. Gareth Doorley
fed Andrew Lally who drove hard into the Clondalkin defence before
popping to Simon Loughnane to score under the posts, which Gareth
converted.
This roused the Dublin side into action forcing a penalty to be
conceded and converted. Birr had a number of good chances to add to the
score, only for the wrong option to be taken at a critical time before
Clondalkin caught them with a try in the corner to lead 7-8 at the
break.
Birr knew what was in store for the last 40 minutes as the gale
increased with Clondalkin making huge distances with their kicks, and
leaving Birr with no option but to run everything. The incessant
pressure eventually told with a try coming after a maul from a lineout
and another from loose play as the home side tried in vain to repel the
opposition. Joe O'Loughlin, Danny Troy and Cronan Kennedty had great
breaks halted high up the field only to see the ball eventually stolen
or otherwise as the ball went into the Birr 22, and despite their best
attempts Clondalkin crossed twice more to leave the final score 34-7,
and in no doubt who were the better side.
Birr: C. Hogan, P.J. Kavanagh, E. Williams, C. Kennedy, M. Keogh,
C. Larkin, J. Flynn, R. Hanley, R. Joyce, G. Doorley, A. Lally, S.
Loughnane, D. Troy, D. Niland, J. O'Loughlin. Subs Used: D. Shine (for
PJ Kavangh).
Leinster Seconds League: Birr 8 Clondalkin 31
Our seconds played Clondalkin last Sunday also, unfortunately
they met a far stronger side who won the game with two early tries and
two late tries. Fergus Shortt opened Birr's account with a fine penalty
and Robert Ryland touched down in the corner following good scrummaging
by the pack. Perhaps defeated but showing much promise, the lads are
constantly improving and it only can be good for the future.
Birr 2nd XV: K. Scully, S. Boyd, S. Broderick, D. Shortt, E.
Niland, F. Shortt, L. Armitage, D. Shine, M. White, M. Rigney, N. Byrne,
S. Rudd, A. Guinan, D. Kelly, R. Hanniffy, K. Hanamy, R. Ryland.
Fixtures
Both sides play Gorey away next Sunday.

29/11/2007
Official Handover Of Facsimile Of Macregol Gospels
Birr Historical Society will officially hand over the facsimile of the
Gospel Book of Macregol of Birr to Offaly County Council at a reception
in Birr Library on Wednesday 5th December at 8p.m. The facsimile is
already an attractive addition to the superb new library where it will
be displayed free of charge as a reminder of the ancient monastic
heritage of the town.
At the same event the Birr 1300 Committee will officially hand
over the manuscript copy of Cáin Adomnáin produced by Margaret Maher
and the bronze-coated iron bell produced by Dan Edwards in 1997 to
commemorate the promulgation of Cáin Adomnáin at Birr in 697 AD.
How surprised would be Macregol of Birr and Adomnán of Iona to
see that Birr people take such an interest in their work after so many
generations and so many centuries had passed?

29/11/2007
Birr The Third Most Successful Driving Test Centre
Birr's prominent position as one of the most successful driving test
centres in the country has been confirmed by the most recent issue of
the Irish Bulletin of Vehicle and Driver Statistics (2006) .
Yet again the Birr driving test centre produced a highly
impressive third place in the country overall in terms of its pass
success rate at 63.4%. 1,927 people, according to the report, sat the
driving test examination at Birr in 2006 with 1,222 obtaining full
driving licenses.
This is well above the national average pass success rate in the
Driving test where the figures show that 52.4% out of 83,168 applicants
who sat the examination nationwide in 2006 passed.
Most notably the Driving test centre in Birr has maintained this
high degree of success over the last number of years despite the
continuous reviews and upgrading of the system that have been occurring.
It seems if you want to get your driving licence you chances of success
in Birr outstrip most other contenders.
The numbers speak for themselves. The pass rate for first time
applicants was 62% - compared to the national average of 50.5% - while
65.5% of non first time applicants were successful.
To put this into perspective the accolade for the highest overall
first time pass rate in the country belonged to Buncrana in Co. Donegal
with a success rate of 64.7%, while second in the ranks went to the
Ennis test centre in Co. Clare with 63.7%, marginally ahead of Birr.
Non first time applicants at the Birr Driving Test Centre
had the second highest percentage success rate in the country at 65.5%
only narrowly pipped by Buncrana where 66.8% of non first time
applicants passed the examination. In any case both have maintained a
pass rate well above the national non first time average of 54.7%.
By stark constrast it appears Carlow has one the worst overall
ratings in the country with only a meagre 42.2% passing out of
2,562 applicants, the lowest in the country, and Rathgar saw their first
time applicant success rate drop as low as 39.8%.
The figures at the Tullamore driving test centre were just above
the national average with 52.6% of applicants passing the test, while
the rate at Nenagh was just slightly below the national average at
52.2%. For first time applicants the figures were 51.7% at Tullamore and
50% at Nenagh.
The statistics (2006) show that men sitting the test at the Birr
Driving test centre were the most successful in the country in passing
the test. The statistics indicate that out of 1,034 male applicants some
66.7% or 690 passed the test. Female applicants were well above average
also if not quite as successful as the men, with 59.6% or 532 out of 893
applicants passing the test.
In Tullamore men had a 54.6% pass rate and women 50.3% while in
Nenagh it was 54.2% for men and 50.1% for women.
Nationally the figures reflect a similar position with only
slightly higher success rate amongst male applicants where out of 43,992
male applicants 53.1% passed the test and out of 39,720 female
applicants 51.6% passed.

29/11/2007
Bishop Elect Makes Historic Pilgrimage To Seir Kieran
Bishop Elect of Ossory Mgr Seamus Freeman will make an historic
pilgrimage to Seir Kieran on Saturday next, the day before he is
ordained as Bishop of Ossory.
The visit to Seir Kieran, the original foundation of the Diocese
of Ossory, is part of a day long pilgrimage which Mgr Freeman will make
on Saturday. The pilgrimage will lead off from Mgr Freeman’s native
Callan for Seir Kieran and Aghaboe in Laois and will conclude in Coolagh
back in Callan.
Seir Kieran and Aghaboe are two of the most ancient
ecclesiastical sites in the diocese and are linked with St Kieran and St
Canice respectively.
According to tradition, St Patrick gave St Kieran a bell and told
him to begin his church wherever the bell would ring of its own accord.
This happened at Seir Kieran where he established a monastry which
became the centre of Christian faith in Ossory. A bell representing the
ancient tradition of St Kieran will be part of the new Bishop's Coat of
Arms.
Seir Kieran was the See of Ossory from its foundation in the 5th
century until the Synod of Rathbreasail transferred the See to Aghaboe
in Co Laois which was associated with St Canice.
The Bishop Elect, Callan parishioners and people from Mgr Freeman’s
former parish in Rome will travel by coach departing from the birthplace
of Blessed Edmund Rice in Westcourt in Callan at 10a.m. on Saturday
December 1st.
On arrival at Seir Kieran at 12 noon, the group will be greeted
by Bishop Willie Walsh of the neighbouring diocese of Killaloe and local
PP, Fr Peter Muldowney. They will take the pilgrimage route that local
parishioners take on March 5th, the feast day of St Kieran, visiting the
well, the rag bush and the old monastic site, which is now the Church of
Ireland Church. At that church he will be greeted by the local rector,
Rev. Stella Jones, who will read a letter from the Church of Ireland
Bishop, Rt. Rev. Michael Burrows, who unfortunately can't be
present.
Mgr Freeman will be blessed by water from St Kieran's Well and
the Pectoral Cross which he will wear will also be blessed. That cross
has been made specially for him by the priests of the diocese and is
modelled on a cross carved on a tombstone in the original church in Seir
Kieran.
His visit to Seir Kieran will be followed by a visit to the
monastic site at Aghaboe at 3.30pm where he will be greeted by local PP,
Fr Noel Maher and retired PP, Fr James Carrigan. The pilgrimage will
return to Coolagh for 7.30p.m. for an eve of ordination vigil in Mgr
Freeman’s native church.
Mgr Freeman will become the eighth Bishop of Ossory at a special
ceremony in St Mary’s Cathedral, Kilkenny on Sunday afternoon.
Dignitaries of Church and State will be among the near 1,000 attendance
at the Ordination ceremony which begins at 3p.m.
The occasion will also be the first official function for Ireland’s
newest Cardinal Sean Brady who is just back from Rome following his
Elevation last weekend.
The principal Consecrator will be Archbishop Diarmuid Martin of
Dublin and the Co-Consecrators will be the Apolostolic Nuncio, Guiseppe
Lazzarotto and former Bishop of Ossory, Laurence Forristal.
Among the attendance will be retired Archbishop of Dublin,
Cardinal Desmond Connell; Durrow native and retired Papal Nuncio,
Archbishop Thomas White; retired Church of Ireland Archbishop of Dublin,
Walton Empey; representatives of other churches and almost 150 priests
as well as Bishops from other dioceses. Also invited are President Mary
McAleese and An Taoiseach Bertie Ahern.
Each parish of the diocese will be represented as well as schools,
sporting organisations and other bodies. However, all are welcome to
attend.
Fr Seamus Freeman was born on 23rd February 1944, the eldest of
eight children, in the parish of Mullinahone, Co Tipperary, in the
Archdiocese of Cashel and Emly. His family later moved to Callan, Co
Kilkenny, where he attended school.
He entered the Society of Catholic Apostolate (Pallotines) in
Thurles, Co Tipperary, and made his first Pallotine consecration in
1965. He studied philosophy at the National University of Ireland,
University College Dublin, and theology at St Patrick’s College,
Thurles. He was ordained a priest on 12th June 1971.
Subsequent to his ordination, Fr Freeman was sent to the Catholic
University of Washington to pursue studies in psychology but was called
to Rome not long afterwards to act as personal secretary to the Rector
General of his Society. Two years later he returned to Washington to
complete his studies and was awarded a degree in psychology.
In 1975 he was appointed Director of Formation and Rector of the
Church of Saint Sylvester in Rome. During his rectorship, in May 1975,
he was also elected a member of the Provincial Council of the Irish
Province of the Society. In 1981 he returned to Ireland to take up the
post of Rector and Director of Formation at the Pallotine College in
Thurles.
While participating as delegate in the General Assembly of his
Society in 1983, Fr Freeman was elected to the General Council of the
Pallottines in Rome for a term of six years. In 1989 he was appointed
Vicar General of the Society. Barely three years later, in 1992, Fr
Martin Juritsch, the then Rector General of the Society, fell gravely
ill, and Fr Freeman was elected to succeed him at an Extraordinary
General Assembly. He was re-elected for a second six-year term in 1998.
In 1994 Fr Freeman took part as an ‘auditor’ in the 1994
Synod of Bishops, dedicated to the theme of the religious life.
During his term as Rector General, on 28th October 2003, the Pallottine
Family, known as Union of the Catholic Apostolate, was declared a Public
and International Association of the Faithful by the Pontifical Council
for the Laity. At an international Assembly of the Union held in
Rome in December 2005, Fr Freeman was unanimously re-elected President
of their General Co-ordination Council for a term of three years.
At the conclusion of his second term as Rector General of the
Society of the Catholic Apostolate, Fr Freeman spent a year with the
Irish Pallottine community at Saint Sylvester’s in Rome after which,
on 7th October 2004, he was appointed Parish Priest of the Church of St
Vincent Pallotti at Pietralata in Rome.
Mgr Freeman will succeed Bishop Laurence Forristal, DD, who has
served as Bishop of Ossory since September 1981.
The Diocese of Ossory has a Catholic population of 78,273 in 42
parishes with 89 churches. The Patron of the diocese is St Kieran.

29/11/2007
Drugs – What Every Parent Should Know
Tony O’Carroll will give a talk to the parents of St. Brendan’s
Community School, Birr, on Monday 3rd December, at 8.00p.m. The title of
the presentation is ‘Drugs Awareness – what every parent should know’.
It focuses on how to deal with the risks to young people. Tony O’Carroll
has been involved in education and counselling in this area for many
years and is well known nationally from his media work and
appearances.
There was a disappointing attendance at this talk last year and
it is hoped more parents will take this valuable opportunity to hear an
expert in the field. Given the national rise in drug abuse among all
ages this talk is a necessary component in any parent’s arsenal, as
they strive to nurture teenagers in a changed society.
Tony will also speak to students in the school on Monday December
3rd and Tuesday December 4th as part of the SPHE Programme.

29/11/2007
Birr News Digest
Celebrating St. Brendan
On Friday, 30th November a ceremoney entitled 'Celebrating St.
Brendan', will be held in the Church of Ireland at 8p.m.
Wilmer Tennis Club
The annual Christmas Tournament will be held at the Wilmer Tennis
Club on Saturday next December 1st. This is a night not to be missed so
be there. Festivities will kick off at 7.30p.m. Tennis and festive fare.
Join in the fun. Come along for what is always a very entertaining and
enjoyable night with plenty of Christmas atmosphere and all the usual
Christmas refreshments. See you there.
Rambles In Eireann
Sunday 2nd December - Meet at 2.00 pm at Dan and Molly's Ballyboy
for a walk to Knockhill led by Agnes O'Gorman. Included will be a visit
to a sulach fiadh (ancient cooking pit). Appropriate footwear essential.
The Christmas Dinner will be on 22nd December at the Enroute
Fiveally. Cost €35. Bookings to Sinead on (086) 0548143 (after
6.00p.m.) ASAP.
For January they will - as usual - join the Kilcormac
Ramblers Annual New Year's Day walk in aid of the Offaly Hospice.
Details later in the Kilcormac Notes.Visit www. ramblesineirinn.org
Carrig Riverstown Killeen Active Retirement Group
A grant is available for older people in their own homes for
windows, door locks and chains, smoke alarms, security light, centrally
monitored alarm systems. For more information and application forms
contact Mary Taylor at (057) 91 21414 as soon as possible.
Table Quiz
A table quiz will be held in Kinnitty Community Centre on Friday
November 30th at 8p.m. Funds raised will go towards Kinnitty NS
Playground Development Project organised by the Parents Association.
Support would be appreciated. Great raffle and spot prizes on the night.
Book Club
The next Book Club meeting will be held on Monday, 10th December.
The book for this month is 'The Pursuit Of Love' by Nancy Mitford
(chosen by Olwyn). New members welcome. Enquiries to (057) 91
39028.
Birr Garden Club
Birr Garden Club will meet in Dooly's Hotel on Tuesday 4th
December at 8p.m. Susan Jackson will give a demonstration of Christmas
arrangements. Members and non-members welcome.
Birr Theatre & Arts Centre
At the Theatre from Tuesday 4th December, Film Club's showing of
Esma's Secret.
Danti-Dan follows on Thursday December 6th, a play presented by
Galloglass Theatre which focuses on teenage sexuality. This play
promises to engage and delight both regular theatre goers and younger
audiences. John Molloy with his guests Lynda O'Connor and Mairead Hurley
perform at Birr Theatre & Arts Centre, Friday 7th December and on
Monday 10th and Tuesday 11th December, Tallisman Theatre company
present, Rudolph The Red Nosed Reindeer.
Contact (057) 9122911 or check out www.birrtheatre.com for
further details.
Box offices opens 1p.m.-5.30p.m. Monday-Friday.
Birr Life Skills Course
Life skills is a 13 week full time local initiative which aims to
build confidence in all participants and supports people to identify
specific career paths which will facilitate their progression into
employment/self-employment further education or development. This FETAC
credited course will begin in Birr early January 2008. Training, travel,
childcare and meal allowances are available to eligible candidates. FAS
terms and conditions apply. For further details please contact Fidelma
Donnelly, West Offaly Partnership, Bridge Street, Birr. Phone (057)
9121155.
Emporium At The Stables
Emporium At The Stables, Oxmantown Mall, Birr December opening
hours: Tuesday to Saturday 10a.m. to 6p.m. Sunday December 2nd, 9th,
16th and 23rd, 2p.m. to 6p.m. On Thursday December 6th, 13th and 20th
'Ladies Retail Therapy Nights' 7p.m. to 10.30p.m. Christmas Eve opening
10a.m. to 5p.m. Tel (057) 9120263. (Advert).
'Threads' Opening
Threads, a new shop catering for new fashion for both both males
and females, is opening at Lower Main Street, Birr on this Friday
November 30th.
Eglish/Rath Parish Sale Of Work
The Eglish/Rath Parish Sale of Work will take place on Friday
December 7th in the Community Centre after Vigil Mass. All collectors
are asked to call to their neighbours and collect as usual. The sale
will include all sorts of farm produce. Proceeds go to parish funds.
Birr Comhaltas AGM
The members of Birr Comhaltas have arranged their Annual General
Meeting for this Thursday night, 29th November in the County Arms Hotel
commencing at 9pm. This will provide all the members and supporters with
an opportunity to review the work of the past year and to plan future
activities. It also provides anyone interested in supporting the work of
the organisation whether through the music class, or the set dancing
class, to come along and register their interest.
Drugs – What Every Parent Should Know
Tony O’ Carroll will give a talk to the parents of St. Brendan’s
Community School on Monday 3rd December, at 8.00 p.m. The title of the
presentation is ‘Drugs Awareness – what every parent should know’.
It focuses on how to deal with the risks to young people. Tony O’Carroll
has been involved in education and counselling in this area for many
years and is well known nationally from his media work and appearances.
There was a disappointing attendance at this talk last year and it is
hoped more parents will take this valuable opportunity to hear an expert
in the field. Given the national rise in drug abuse among all ages this
talk is a necessary component in any parent’s arsenal, as they strive
to nurture teenagers in a changed society. Tony will also speak to
students in the school on Monday 3rd and Tuesday 4th as part of the SPHE
Programme.
Terry Fox Run
Mary Teehan, 25 St Mary's Terrace, Shinrone would like to thank
most sincerely all those who very kindly supported her in her charity
walk for cancer research on the 28th October. They are Vozzas Chip Shop
Roscrea, Peter Fox, Birr, Whelahan's Birr, Joe Rowland Birr, Mill Street
Cleaners Birr, Claire McNamara, Shinrone, Treacy Egan, Post Office
Shinrone, Cloverlodge Nursing Home Shinrone, John and Tanya Maher
Shinrone. Mary raised €400.
Birr Resource Centre
Birr Resource Centre is a community facility, providing
affordable meeting space for community and voluntary groups. There
is a free administration service available to local groups.
For more details please phone Mary on (057) 9121912 or call in.
The office is open Monday to Thursday from 9.30a.m.-1.30p.m. and Friday
9.30a.m.-1.00p.m.
Geranne's Boutique
Geranne's Boutique, Ferbane (090 6453815) is open seven days a
week until Christmas. 15% discount for month of December. Louise Marlow,
professional image consultant, will be in attendance on Sundays December
9th and 16th from 2p.m. onwards, plus makeover for customers every hour
on the hour. Chocolates and wine served. (Advert).
Ballyegan Garden Club
December Trip to O’Meara’s Garden Centre Mullingar – all
those travelling on Saturday, 8th December please confirm your place and
pay before Saturday, 1st December 2007 to any Committee member.
Price is €20 for members, €25 for non-members. Bus leaves at
10.00 a.m. and will be back in Birr before 7 p.m. Please phone (087) 638
0516 with queries.
Next meeting is Wednesday, 12th December at 8.00 p.m. in
Ballyegan Hall. Petals Flowers, Roscrea will give a workshop in the
preparation of arrangements, table centrepieces and swags for
Christmas. More details next week.
Four Seasons Garden Club
The club will have its Christmas party on Monday the 3rd of
December at 8.30p.m. in O'Sullivan's Kilcormac. They ask that everyone
bring something for the table and also no more than €4 for the Santa
Bag. There is an outing to Fern Hill Garden Centre Athlone on Thursday
December 6th. A bus will leave the Square Kilcormac at 6.15p.m. and
there will be a charge for the bus; the visit will include a
demonstration in Fern Hill. Names to Eileen Daly asap at (057) 9135152.
Birr Town Lotto Results
Numbers drawn in the Birr Town lotto this week were 5, 7, 17 and
27. Bonus 29. No Jackpot winner. One match three winner gets €200 -
Ryan Lowry. Next week's jackpot is €17,000 with star prize of €20,000.
Draw will take place in Molloy's Connaught St. Thanks for all your
continued support.
Birr Festival Winners Make All-Ireland Finals
Birr Stage Guild are delighted to announce that three of the
drama groups who performed in Birr Theatre & Arts Centre in their
first ever one act festival have made the All-Ireland Finals. They are:
1) St Patrick's Dramatic Society, Dalkey, with their production of
'Death of a Dummy'; 2) Moate Dramatic Society with 'Snow Angel' and 3)
Sanity Clause Theatre, Dublin, with 'The Wooden Pear'. The finals will
take place in St Mary's Theatre, Rossmore, Clonakilty, Co Cork from 30th
November to 2nd December next. For further details visit
www.stmarysrossmore.com.
Birr Chamber of Commerce
There will be a meeting in the County Arms Hotel on Thursday next
29th of November at 8p.m. sharp. All members welcome.
Birr Social Club
Teams snooker tournament in aid of the Birr Voluntary Nursing
Unit (sponsored by Buckley's Super Valu, Main St, Birr) is continuing at
Birr Social Club. Last week's results: On Wednesday night Jim Cashen bt
Jim Hickeys 3-2, and on Friday night Pat Dunphys bt B Guinans 3-2 with
Mickey McGarry beating Tony Nevin in the vital game.
Fixtures: Wednesday November 28th Sunrise Inn v Kenno, Friday
November 30th S. Brown v Buckleys, Saturday December 1st M. Parlon v R.
Donnelly, Tuesday December 4th Bank of Ireland v E. Nolan's Cubs,
Wednesday December 5th Gardai v Jim Cashen.
The club wish the best of luck to the Birr Senior Hurling team on
Sunday's Leinster Final.
Birr Mart
Bullocks: 1 ch 425 €785, 2 lim 498 €800, 3 lim 447 €760, 3
aa 382 €600, 2 lim 453 €805, 1 her 420 €690, 1 ch 445 €745, 1
lim 545 €885, 2 ch 455 €780, 2 ch 500 €840, 2 lim 475 €840, 2 fr
614 €850. Heifers: 1 ch 495 €835, 4 lim 515 €785, 1 her 525 €770,
1 ch 510 €825, 1 ch 535 €885, 4 lim 246 €475, 2 her 500 €735, 1
ch 680 €1,050, 2 ch 470 €750, 2 ch 525 €875, 1 lim 545 €845, 1
ch 635 €960. Dry cows: 1 ch 580 €775, 1 wh 630 €575, 1 fr 535 €450,
1 ch 665 €640, 1 aa 580 €730, 1 her 585 €540, 2 fr 630 €530, 1
sim 575 €515.
Sheep sale: Lambs: €25 to €31 over the kg. Cull Ewes: €20
to €48 per head.
Highfield Utd FC
Numbers drawn in this week's Highfield United lotto draw were 2,
14, 24, 29. No jackpot winner. No match three winner so five names drawn
receive €30; Aaron and Dots c/o Cherry Tree, Stella c/o S Hernon,
Elizabeth Spain c/o Lis Spain, Kathleen Hogan c/o G Carroll, Tracey
Kinsella c/o S Pardy. Turkey: Phyllis Hehir c/o Noel Hehir. Ham: P
Carroll c/o John Pardy. Next week's draw will be in The Fighting Cocks
for a Jackpot of €7,250.
Marian Hall Notes
Bingo: The Jackpot on Friday night last was not won. The jackpot
on Friday night next is €3,000 on 48 calls with a top game of €300
if not won. Lots of side prizes on offer this week including sweets,
biscuits, turkeys and hams. Calling as usual 8.30p.m. sharp. Progressive
25 Drive: Top prize on Sunday night was won on 12 games by Alex and Tom
Kennedy. Two pairs had 11 games Dolores and Mark Ryan, Joe Cantwell and
Peter Darcy. Last game winners were Joe Kerins and Frank Maloney while
the table prize went to Tony and Mary Larkin. Raffle prize winners were
Michael Carroll, Stephen Lonergan and Johnny Coughlan. Cards continue on
Sunday night with a jackpot of €100 on 14 games. Cards start 9pm
sharp.
Camcor Bridge Club
The results from Camcor Bridge Club last week were; 1st nett
Maureen Hayes and Sadie Leonard. Gross Judy Craig and Liz Edge. 2nd Nett
Michael Dolan and Michael Stephens. This Wednesday open charity night
proceeds to Down Syndrome.
Bible Talks
Bible talks are being held in Birr Resource Centre (Londis
Carpark) every Sunday 7.30p.m.-8.30p.m. Meetings are free and non
denominational. All are welcome.
GROW
A Grow Group meets each week in Birr. If you are someone who
experienced depression or anxiety attacks or who is simply in need of
company do come along. You will have an opportunity to meet others,
share your problems in confidence, get support and make new friends. All
are welcome. No fees. Meetings take place in the Community Health Centre,
The Convent, Wilmer Road, Birr at 7.30p.m.every Tuesday. For further
information please contact Assumpta on (086) 8114135 or (057) 9351124.
Website: www.grow.ie Infoline: 1890 474 474.
Dochas
The Offaly Cancer Support Group is based at Teach Dóchas, Offaly
St., Tullamore. They offer support to people living with cancer and
their families and carers. Opening hours: Monday to Friday 10a.m to
2p.m. Telephone (057) 93 28268 email: dochasoffaly@eircom.net.
Farmers Vegetable Market
Farmers Vegetable Market will be in the Marian Hall Car Park
every Saturday between 10a.m.-5p.m. (Advert)
Medical Herbalist
Emmett Walsh, M.IIMH, M.NIMH, MSc (Herb Med), P.G.Dip (Herb
Med),. B.Arg.Sc. (Hons) Clinic at Roscore, Blueball, Tullamore. Tel:
(087) 2613042 or (057) 93 55844 by appointment only. Clinic at O'Meara's
Pharmacy, The Square Birr on Wednesdays. (Advert)
Lorrha Variety Group
Lorrha Variety Group present three nights of entertainment, drama
and music in Lorrha Community Hall on Thursday December 6th (including
pupils of Lorrha and Redwood NS), Friday December 7th and Saturday
December 8th at 8p.m. Doors open at 7.30p.m. Admission: adults €10,
Senior Citizens and students €6.

29/11/2007
Birr Accountancy Firm Overall Winners In HR Excellence Awards
Accountancy Firm, Baker Tilly Ryan Glennon with offices in Birr and
Dublin was awarded the country’s top Human Resources Management Award
by the Chartered Institute Personnel and Development (CIPD) at a
gala event held in the Shelbourne hotel last week.
From the 18 entries short listed, Baker Tilly Ryan Glennon, was
recognised 'for its ability to hotwire progressive human resource
practises seamlessly into the business planning process' according to
Sean O’Driscoll, Chairman of CIPD Ireland. 'Baker Tilly Ryan Glennon
has developed a unique culture of goal setting, achievement and
development,' he added.
Speaking at the awards ceremony, John Glennon, Managing Partner
originally from Birr, said; 'Winning the overall award is a powerful
endorsement of our efforts to involve all our people in delivering our
chosen strategy. It also recognizes the success of the recent merger of
Baker Tilly Ryan Glennon among the wider business community.'
Baker Tilly Ryan Glennon formed in April 2007 by the merger of PKF
Ryan Glennon and Baker Tilly O'Hare, offers a comprehensive range of
Accounting and Business Consultancy services to clients across the
island of Ireland with substantial experience in both the public and
private sectors. The firm has more than one hundred and sixty staff and
twelve partners.
The Awards were sponsored by Watson Wyatt.

29/11/2007
Enjoy ‘Christmas In The Courtyard’ At Birr Castle Demesne
The spirit of Christmas will come alive at Birr Castle Demesne on
Saturday 8th December, with a special evening featuring a wonderful
Christmas concert by the musical group ‘Encore,’ homemade mulled
wine and warm mince pies.
‘Christmas in the Courtyard’ is proudly hosted by Mid Ireland
Tourism in conjunction with Birr Castle Demesne. The event will kick off
at 6.00p.m. in the Courtyard at Birr Castle Demesne, just after the
Christmas lights are turned on in Birr Square at 5.00p.m. Tickets are
€10 for adults and €5 for children, which include the concert
entertainment from ‘Encore,’ a mince pie and choice of mulled wine
or juice.
Tickets may be purchased in advance by contacting Mid Ireland
Tourism at (057) 91 20923, or on the night at the Birr Castle Demesne
visitor’s entrance.

29/11/2007
Feast Day Of St Brendan Of Birr
As usual, there will be performances by students of the schools in Birr
parish at the annual celebration of the feast day of St Brendan, patron
of Birr which will take place this year on Friday 30th November at
7.30p.m. at St Brendan’s Church of Ireland, Oxmantown Mall.
Students from Crinkle NS will contribute a light dramatisation and
there will be mime, bell ringers, choral singing and a procession with
parish treasures to complement the ecumenical liturgy.
This annual celebration has been steadily gathering support and
it is hardly disrespectful to say that it has become a lively,
interesting and unifying annual event.

29/11/2007
Several Burglaries In Birr Area
There were several burglaries in the Birr area last week with the first
happening in a Westgate house on Wednesday the 21st of November.
This house is the property of an elderly lady and she was
temporarily out of the house when the break-in occurred. Her handbag was
stolen.
This house was broken into again at some stage between last
Thursday and last Saturday when its owner was again not present. On the
second occasion €100 in cash was stolen.
On Friday last a burglary took place in Smith's Sandpit,
Whigsborough at some stage between 6p.m. and 6a.m.
A cable was stolen from the Whigsborough sandpit worth €500 and
tools to the value of €300 were also taken, along with a small amount
of cash.
Between 4p.m. and 9p.m., on Friday as well, in Woodlands Park, a
house was entered via the rear door but no property or money was taken.
On Thursday a private house, temporarily vacated, in Clonlee
Kinnitty was entered through a side bedroom window and two bedrooms were
ransacked. A small amount of money was stolen.

29/11/2007
Birr Bass Baritone Returns To Local Theatre After Busy Year
2006 has been an busy year for local bass-baritone John Molloy who
performs at Birr Theatre and Arts Centre on December 7th . John will be
joined by guests Lynda O'Connor, one of Ireland's most outstanding
young violinists and Mairead Hurley accompanies on piano. The programme
will include 19th Century Arias by Verdi, Gounod and Bellini, songs
by Tosti and the Offaly born composer James Lynam Molloy as well as a
number of popular show-tunes; violin solos including Monti's
Czardas, Massene's Meditation from Thaos and Mascagni's Intermezzo from
Cavalleria Rusticana.
John has enjoyed a busy year both nationally and internationally.
The year kicked off with a number of New Year Gala Concerts in Egypt. A
tour of China followed, organised by the Irish Department of Foreign
Affairs with Recitals in Shanghai, Beijing and Hong-Kong. He was also
invited to give master-classes at many of China's leading music
conservatories and the tour ended with a performance of Beethoven's
Missa Solemnis with The Macau Orchestra and Chorus of the Shanghai Opera
House.
In Europe he performed Bach Cantata's with Orchestre Degli
Amici in Geneva and Gstaad and Requiems of Mozart and Durufle in Zurich.
In addition to performances throughout the UK, John continues his work
with English Camerata giving opera workshops at primary schools around
the north of England.
Highlights of the year here in Ireland include numerous
performances at the National Concert Hall including The Best of Gilbert
& Sullivan and Mozart's Solemn Vespers alongside Emma Kirkby
with the RTE Concert Orchestra.
On the opera stage, as well as singing roles in Nabucco, La Traviata,
Carmen and The Lily of Killarney, John fulfilled his desire to sing the
title role in Opera Theatre Company's touring production of
Mozart's The Marriage of Figaro.
'John Molloy, who took on the role of Figaro with tremendous zeal
and confidence, delivered a performance which captured the
character's chauvinistic prowess (particularly in his aria 'Aprite
Un Po Quegli Occhi'), showing just enough charm to allow the audience to
become entangled in his wild affair, at once sympathetic to his cause,
but left with no illusions as to his intentions throughout.' -
Graeme Stewart - Culture Northern Ireland
Violinist, Lynda O'Connor is one of John Molloy's
guests on December 7th. Lynda is one of Ireland's most outstanding
young Artists and studied with Ronal Masin and Michael D'Arcy,
completing her Masters degree in Music Performance with first class
honours at the DIT Conservatory where she was a Bank of Ireland
Millennium Scholar. Her awards include the Arthur Nachstern Bursary, The
Briscoe Cup and Camerata Ireland Musician of the Year. She is highly
sought after as orchestral artist and leader and has performed with the
National Symphony Orchestra, Irish Chamber Orchestra, Camerata Ireland,
Lyric Opera and many other groups. She recently acted as soloist and
director of Bach's double violin concerto with Camerata Ireland.
Lynda plays on a French Gand & Bernadel Violin sponsored by Mercury
Engineering, which she has had for the last six years.
' The most impressive moments were provided by the long-breathed
phrasing of Lynda O Connor' - Michael Dervan - Irish Times
Accompanying John and Lynda at the piano for the evening is
Mairead Hurley. Mairead is no stranger to Birr audiences having played
here on numerous occasions over the past few years. She studied at
the Royal Irish Academy of Music and at the National Opera Studio in
London and currently works as a full-time repetiteur at the DIT
Conservatory of Music. Since 1996 she has worked as Music Liaison for
Opera Ireland and with a repertoire of some sixty operas to date has
also worked for Wexford Festival Opera, Opera Theatre Company, Opera
Northern Ireland and Lyric Opera. Her work with RTE includes the RTE
Proms, RTE Naxos recording of Aida, miscellaneous recitals and regular
work with both the National Symphony Orchestra and RTE Concert
Orchestra. Always in demand as piano accompanist, Mairead has partnered
many International Artists including baritone Sherrill Milnes and
soprano Dame Gwyneth Jones.
'Mairead Hurley delivered a mixture of bravado, sensitivity and
expertise.' - Michael Dervan - Irish Times
Programming for recitals is always a delicate matter says John
Molloy and there are many factors to be taken into consideration.
'Performing in Birr over the years I have found audiences here extremely
open to a huge range of music and in no small part due to the great
history of music performance in the town across the gamut of styles and
genres. Dame Nellie Melba even gets remembered every week-end!'
'The Performance Venue and setting also plays a huge part in
dictating the content. Birr Theatre & Arts Centre first opened
it s doors in 1888, when all of the featured composers were at
their heights.
'The programme for December 7th is a mostly a selection of
Arias and songs from the 19th Century romantic period and the
operatic arias I've chosen are a move into repertoire I have
avoided in the past for reasons of technical ability, maturity and sheer
physical stamina. In fact most, if not all of the programme is material
I have never performed in public before. Also on the programme are songs
by Francesco Paolo Tosti and James Lynam Molloy,' he said.
The 100th anniversary of the death of James Lynam Molloy occurs
in 2009 and in his spare time John is researching the songs of the
Offaly born composer. Most famous for writing parlour songs and ballads
such as Loves Old Sweet Song, Bantry Bay and The Kerry Dance, the
British Library Museum has over 250 entries under the composers name.
However, like much of the music of the Victorian period it has become
unfashionable and undeservedly neglected in concert performance.
The Italian composer FP Tosti, whilst writing in a similar vain
of sentiment and at around the same time, remains a firm favourite in
concert and his songs will also feature. A selection of popular
show-tunes by lyricist Alan Jay Lerner and the combined forces of
Rodgers and Hammerstein will finish the programme.
All of this coupled with the virtuosic playing of Lynda
O'Connor and Mairead Hurley makes for an evening not to be missed.
Tickets are available at the theatre box-office (057) 9122911.

29/11/2007
Outstanding Performance Of 'We Will Rock You'
St. Brendan's Community School put on an outstanding performance last
week in their annual school show. This year the school chose a musical
by Queen and Ben Elton, 'We Will Rock You'. They are one of only a
handful of schools nationwide to attempt to do so.
The musical is based in the distant future and exists
predominantly as a framework for allowing the cast to perform covers of
Queen's greatest hits. It is set at a time when musical instruments have
been banned and kids are no longer able to make their own music. The
name of the Earth has been changed to planet Mall and is being run by
the all powerful company 'Globalsoft' headed up by the Killer
Queen.
The people of planet Mall are routinely subjected to Global Soft’s
computer simulated virtual boy and girl bands, playing mindless dull
boring tracks. Global Soft, the corporate giant that now controls the
planet’s music industry has destroyed youth culture, turning all the
boys and girls into cyber zombies whose only mission in life is to
consume the company’s products. Under Globalsoft everyone , thinks the
same thoughts and goes about in a brain-dead haze.
Set in this Ga Ga world of Planet Mall, where all musical
instruments have been banned and all the kids wear similar clothes,
listen to the manufactured pop and dance of the dreaded Boy and Girl
Bands there emerges a rebellion. These rebels are looking for the
(Bohemian) Rhapsody and seek the key to unlock the power of rock. The
key they seek is the arrival of the prophesied one or 'Dreamer' -
Galileo Figaro.
Individuality is seen as a plague that threatens to destroy
Global Soft’s market domination, and so the company’s Terminator
police are used to control any kids that do not comply and to destroy
their artistic creativity. However, like all tyrannical regimes they
have their opponents. In this case it is the 'Bohemians', teenagers who
keep alive the legend of rock music and live subversive lifestyles
outside Global Soft’s control. The Bohemians are awaiting their
Messiah, the 'Dreamer' who will remember the music of the past and will
also locate the musical instruments that were hidden away by the rock
band 'Queen' who apparently anticipated the death of Rock and with it
the enslavement of the world’s youth.
The Bohemians were dressed very creatively in costumes as ragged
rockers such as Jimi Hendrix, Rod Stewart, Marilyn, Madonna, Bob Marley,
Boy George and Adam Ant. By contrast the Ga Ga's are all identical
pastels and the police are dressed as robot clones.
Corporate giant Globalsoft rules the world under the leadership
of the Killer Queen (Lyndsey Farrell), an evil dominatrix, is Global
Soft’s Chairwoman who is determined to stop the Dreamer and find and
destroy Queen’s musical instruments. The plot follows the simple line
of will she succeed or will the Dreamer, Galileo (philip Dolan) save
Rock and the world’s youth from her evil corporate domination? In his
quest Galileo meets up with and is aided by the rebellious punk girl,
Scaramouche (Ciara Rice).
As Killer Queen, Lyndsey Farrell displayed a huge voice and an
equally impressive presence, not to be outdone her sidekick the
poisonous, slicksuited, mafia sunglassed Khashoggie was excellently
performed by Oisin O'Carroll. Killer Queen's chief henchman Khashoggi (Oisin
O'Carroll) seeks out the 'Dreamer' Galileo Figaro (Philip Dolan) a young
visionary described as, 'He's just a poor boy from a poor family' who
has strange dreams featuring fragments of rock lyrics. Unfortunately for
the slick jacketed Khashoggie he fails to meet up to the Killer Queen's
expectations in defeating the Bohemians which follows a mad scene in the
second act in the musical where she executes him by frying his mind with
a laser beam. They sing Queen's famous hit song Killer Queen with its
mind blowing lyrics, ' She's a Killer Queen Gunpowder, gelatine,
Dynamite with a laserbeam. Guaranteed to blow you mind - Anytime!'
Throughout the two acts there was a lot of witty retorts with
song titles from the 1960s and 70s such as some that come to Galileo in
his dreams, 'Who are you? they ask, 'I am a Walrus. I wanna break free.'
If the Bohemians are caught by the Globalsoft cyber police they are
brainwashed so that the only tune they can sing is, 'Oh I do want to be
beside the seaside.'
An ageing rocker named Pop (William Gleeson) set the
opening scene. He condemns the manufactured boy bands and girls bands
that play their 'Ga Ga' Music. Galileo encounters and falls in love with
Scaramouche, the edgy, punky, feminist, 'Don't call me chick!' who hates
to wear pastels. Together, Galileo and Scaramouche they discover the
rebel kids who have gone underground chased by the cyber police. Known
collectively as the Bohemians, individually they are named after rock
legends, but some with a sex name - blondie Meat Loaf (Lauren Cleare),
Britney played by (Kevin Murray), Teacher (Lindsay Murphy) and Big Macca
(Nicholas Kennedy).
The group proceed through the help of Pop, Galileo and
Scaramouche and eventual discover the hiding place of the planet's last
electric guitar. It appears when the words of the Queen song 'Bohemian
Rhapsody' are sung by Galileo at the ruins of Wembley Stadium, London.
The legendary Brian May red guitar comes forth like Escalibur mounted in
a rock. Galileo draws the guitar and sings Queen's greatest No 1 hit and
with that helps to restore the planet as rock is reborn and Globalsoft
crashes.
In the end with plenty of lyric references throughout and a
superb live band thrashing out the best of Queen, this was a highly
energetic and well choreagraphed high-tech show. The live music of queen
was expertly directed and conducted by Mr Enda O'Connor. Choreography
was displayed brilliantly under tuition from Ms S. Bailey and the show
excellently co-ordinated by Mr J. Dunne.
At the end of the show Principal, Tom Foley thanked everyone
involved in producing such an outstanding performance, 'There are far
too many names and people to mention but I would like to take this
opportunity to thank the staff, stage crew and management under the
Direction of Mr C. Hughes for providing us with such an excellent show.
I particularly want to recognise Mr Enda O'Connor our music Director and
conductor and indeed music teacher now at St. Brendan's. In particular,
however, I particularly wish to thank the students for the outstanding
and professional manner in which they performed here tonight.'

29/11/2007
Experience The Key As Birr Bid For Record 7th Leinster Title
Birr will go in search of a record seventh Leinster Club Senior Hurling
title when they take on a Ballyboden St Enda's side playing in their
first ever final at O'Connor Park in Tullamore on Sunday next.
Birr currently sit at joint top of the Roll of Honour with
Wexford's Rathure with six titles each while Ballyboden won their first
ever Dublin title this year and thus are playing in their first ever
provincial final.
Dublin hurling has been on the up in recent years and Offaly
teams need no reminding of that. Earlier this year Dublin defeated
Offaly in the Leinster under 21 final while Birr themselves were knocked
out of the club championship two years ago by then Dublin champions, UCD,
although they did get the better of last year's champions Chraobh
Chiarain in the Leinster semi-final.
The three games mentioned were all played in Parnell Park in
Dublin and this time the Offaly side do have home advantage with the
game being staged in Tullamore as St Brendan's Park is still closed for
redevelopment work.
Ballyboden do have strong Offaly connections. The team is managed
by Liam Hogan from Ballyegan, who was a member of the Offaly panel which
won the first All-Ireland title in 1981, while another Coolderry man
Vincent Teehan is one of the selectors. Vincent has already helped
Dublin Colleges to All-Ireland success in 2006. One the Ballyboden
players, Brian Kennedy, is also from Cree, so they won't be lacking
information about the Birr side.
Having dethroned reigning Leinster and All-Ireland champions
Ballyhale Shamrocks in the Leinster semi-final, Birr will carry the
favourites tag into Sunday's final but that will suit Ballyboden. It
will take the pressure off Ballyboden as Birr will be expected to repeat
their heroics against Ballyhale Shamrocks.
That performance was one of Birr's best in recent years and
served notice once again that they are a side to be reckoned with in the
quest for club honours. Ballyhale were without their two best known
stars, Henry Shefflin and James 'Cha' Fitzpatrick, but it was the manner
of Birr's performance which made everyone sit up and take notice. They
hurled terrifically as a team and played with great passion and
commitment.
A goal in the first quarter gave Birr the early advantage but
Ballyhale responded with their goal five minutes later and athough Birr
hit back twice to level Ballyhale were 1-7 to 1-5 in front at half time.
They stretched that lead to three at the start of the second half and
Birr had a fight on their hands. But they rose to the challenge
magnificently and for the remainder of the game they were the masters.
They outscored their opponents by 0-8 to 0-2 after that and could have
been further ahead if they had taken all their chances. Ballyhale were
still in with a shout in the closing seconds but a magnificent Birr
defence prevented them getting an equaliser and they held on to win by
1-13 to 1-10.
Ballyboden have been knocking on the door in Dublin in recent
times and victories over North Dublin and Lucan in the quarter final and
semi-final respectively put them back in the final again. They had lost
all five finals they had contested up to this year but made amends this
time around when defeating double chasing St Vincent's by 2-13 to 1-5.
There was little in it in the first half at the end of which Ballyboden
led by 0-7 to 1-2. However Ballyboden took control on the restart
scoring 2-3 without reply and there was no way back for St Vincent's
from there.
Ballyboden have had the advantage of two tough games in the
Leinster Club Championship already. In the Leinster quarter final they
faced a fancied Oulart The Ballagh side and the Wexford champions made
the early running leading by 0-9 to 0-4 at half time. However Ballyboden
came back very impressively in the second half and outscored the Wexford
men by 1-13 to 0-6 to win by five points, 1-17 to 0-15.
That set up a semi-final against Laois champions, Camross, and on
this occasion in was the Dublinmen who made the better start and two
goals inside the first eight minutes helped them to a 2-6 to 0-5 half
time lead. They came under severe pressure from Camross in the second
half and they saw their lead being slowly whittled away. They were a
mighty relieved outfit to hear the final whistle with the scoreboard
showing them just one point ahead, 2-9 to 1-11.
So that paves the way for a first Leinster final between Birr and
a Dublin side. All of Ballyboden's recent games have been played in
Parnell Park so it will be another tester for them travelling away to
take on Birr. A first provincial final will also be a big occasion for
them and you don't know how they are going to react to such situations.
Birr were at this stage last year where they suffered a heavy
defeat at the hands of Ballyhale, a result they avenged in this year's
semi-final. Previously they lost to O'Loughlin Gaels in the 2003 decider
while they won their last Leinster crown in 2002 when they defeated
Young Irelands of Kilkenny. So almost all of the Birr players have
experience of playing in one if not a number of Leinster finals.
That kind of experience could prove very important on a day like
Sunday's. Throughout this year's championship campaign Birr have been
able to call on that experience to help them through difficult
situations. In a number of games in the Offaly championship they looked
like they might be heading for defeat, but they never panicked and they
pulled a number of games out of the fire through hanging in there and
getting their rewards at the finish.
Even in the semi-final and final in Offaly they were struggling
for periods but Birr came through in the end. Coolderry looked to be
heading for victory when they took over in the third quarter but didn't
build up a big enough lead and then Birr hit back with a goal and that
sparked them to life again and set them on their way to the final.
In that final Kilcormac/Killoughey were the dominant team for the
opening half but didn't have a big enough lead at half time and Birr got
back into it in the second half and overtook them to complete a three in
a row.
Travelling to Nowlan Park to take on the reigning All-Ireland
champions was no easy task but Birr have the experience of being in such
situations in the past and they put that to full use in overcoming
Ballyhale Shamrocks.
Birr have been under the guidance of Pat Joe Whelahan again this
year and he thrives on such situations. He revels in pitting his wits
against the best and his record in big games like these is second to
none. He enjoys taking on the best other counties have to offer and
after guiding Birr to three All-Ireland titles himself, he would like
nothing better than to add another provincial crown to their tally to
keep alive the hope of getting ahead of Ballyhale on the national roll
of honour again.
He was away from Birr for two years and after returning this year
he made some changes to the team. Some of them evolved during the year
and others took a little longer to work out but after their performance
against Ballyhale, it must be said that the formula is beginning to
work.
Among the major changes were the switch of team captain Brian
Whelahan from defence to attack, the move of Dylan Hayden in the
opposite direction, while during the year Niall Claffey and Paul Cleary
were given new roles in defence and in latter games the siting of Rory
Hanniffy at midfield has had a significant effect. After Birr won the
intermediate title this year some members of that team have been given
their chances and Brian Watkins and Keith Hehir started for the seniors
for the first time against Ballyhale while other members of that team
have been used as substitutes.
Birr haven't been afraid to make changes when needed and that was
particularly evident in the county final where two substitutions were
made with little more than 20 minutes gone, while another change was
made at half time. They might have been seen as drastic at the time but
they had the desired effect and the addition of the players from the
intermediate squad has given the Birr backroom team more choice and
options and they won't be afraid to use them if needs be.
Ballyboden are not short of players who have experience with
Dublin teams at senior and underage level. Gary Maguire has regularly
featured in goals while Stephen Perkins and Stephen Hiney are two
experienced defenders. Full forward Conal Keaney might be better known
now as a Dublin footballer but he first made his name as a very talented
hurler with Dublin before opting for the big ball code. Elsewhere in
attack David Sweeney, David Curtin and Emmet Carroll have all worn the
Dublin jersey while Simon Lambert is one of the younger generation of
Dublin hurlers now emerging.
There is enough talent listed there to alert Birr to the fact
that they will have it all to do on Sunday. Ballyboden have recorded two
impressive victories in Leinster already and oftentimes when a side
produces a big performance like Birr did against Ballyhale, they find it
difficult to lift themselves when another game comes around so quickly.
That is where Birr's experience is vital. They have been through
all this before and they are aware of the pitfalls and will be doing
their utmost to guard against them in Sunday's game.
The excellent form of the Birr defence has been among the
features of the team's performances during this year. As mentioned the
backline was reshaped somewhat during the campaign and the results have
been successful. The form of Niall Claffey has been one of the
highlights of Birr's campaign. He took over at full back in the Offaly
quarter final and has grown in stature in the position ever since. His
form in the county final and the game against Ballyhale was outstanding,
the latter performance earning him the TG4 man of the match award. He is
likely to face another stiff test on Sunday against Conal Keaney but if
he maintains his form at recent levels, he can nullify the threat of the
Dublin man. Ballyboden often bring Keaney out the field if the need
arises, so don't be surprised to see him switch to midfield at some
stage.
Niall Claffey has formed a strong full back line with John Paul
O'Meara and Michael Verney and with Brian Mullins in good form behind
them, they have given very little away to opposing forward lines during
this campaign.
Paul Cleary is also performing very well at centre back, and his
long clearances are creating opportunities for Birr forwards close to
the opposition goals. Dylan Hayden had a great game against Ballyhale
and will look to continue that form again while Brian Watkins had a
testing first game, particularly against a good opponent like T.J. Reid,
but a game like that will stand to him.
Barry Whelahan has been the mainstay at midfield for Birr for
many years and he continues to produce the goods. Rory Hanniffy has
played his best hurling at midfield in recent games and this partnership
has the potential to dominate a vital area for Birr.
Birr haven't always been as fluent in attack as they would have
liked this year but somebody has been able to come through and produce
the goods on different days for them. Gary Hanniffy has had a very
consistent year and has caused problems for all the teams he has faced.
Simon Whelahan came on early for the injured Stephen Brown against
Ballyhale and after his performance that day will push to reclaim his
place in the starting line up. Brian Whelahan's vast experience is being
put to good use at centre half forward and is always likely to chip in
with a few scores. Keith Hehir has added a new dimension at full forward
and will make it difficult for any defender while Paul O'Meara, Michael
Dwane, Sean Ryan, Paul Molloy and Mark Mulrooney also saw some action
against Ballyhale.
Ballyboden have a good netminder in Gary Maguire while they also
have experience in defence with Stephen Perkins and Stephen Hiney with
Martin O'Sullivan and Thomas Sweeney also providing good defensive
cover. Malachy Travers and Brian Kennedy have been a regular midfield
partnership, although Kennedy moved to wing back against Camross with
young Simon Lambert coming in at midfield.
In the forward line Keaney is a big dangerman but Michael
Griffin, Enda Kinsella, David Sweeney, David Curtin, James Doody and
Shane Durkin are other forwards who are capable of destroying Birr's
dream.
Birr will go into the game as favourites, and rightly so after
their victory over Ballyhale. But the tables are turned from that game
for Birr where they went in as underdogs and were able to use that to
their advantage. They must now guard against being shot down, the same
way that they overcame Ballyhale.
Experience could be the key in all this. Birr have been through
it all before and now what it takes to win a provincial title. It is all
new for Ballyboden and they have continued the roller coaster success
from winning their first Dublin title. Birr know how to focus on games
like this and if they perform as well as they did against Ballyhale they
will be very difficult to beat.
Ballyboden won't just roll over as Oulart The Ballagh and Camross
have discovered to their cost and if they get into the game they will be
a tough nut to crack.
However Birr want to make up for losing last year's final and
want to get their hands on the Leinster trophy once again. They looked
primed and ready for glory and if they play to form should collect a
record seventh Leinster crown on Sunday.

29/11/2007
Good Counsel Prove Too Strong For St. Brendan's Despite Last Minute Goal
Leinster Colleges SH 'A'; Good Counsel College 2-16 St. Brendan's
CS, Birr 1-13
Good Counsel College of Wexford produced a useful second half display to
overcome St. Brendan's CS, Birr in the Leinster Colleges SH 'A'
championship at Coolderry on Wednesday last.
St. Brendan's came up against a stronger Good Counsel outfit who
seemed to have more options in the forwards on the day, and found the
range with key efforts which always kept them ahead in the contest. It
was St. Brendan's second defeat of the campaign to date.
Ahead by six points at half time 1-10 to 0-7 Good Counsel were
able to build on their lead during the course of the second half.
They dealt a blow to St. Brendan's chances with a second goal ten
minutes into the second half, half forward Paudie Keogh just about
getting the ball home. The goal at that stage gave Good Counsel the edge
and it didn't look like they would be caught in the later stages.
St. Brendan's were behind late on but scored a consolation goal seconds
from the final whistle from a free by top scorer Eanna Murphy. He
finished with a creditable tally of 1-10, most of those efforts coming
from frees.
Good Counsel laid out their stall early on and built up a lead in
the early stages. St. Brendan's were slower to get going in the forwards
as they tried to get into the match. They relied too much mainly on half
forward Eanna Murphy for points, while Good Counsel were able to spread
it more amongst their forwardline. By the finish five of the Good
Counsel players were on the mark, Emmet Kent, Harry Kehoe, Paudie Keogh,
full forward Michael Maloney and James Cassin. In contrast for St.
Brendan's just three of the forwards scored, David Egan and Tomas Bolger
with a point each while substitute Kevin Connolly pointed near full
time.
Good Counsel had the advantage at the halfway stage, a lead that
with the possession they had could have been greater with the chances
that went abegging in the first half.
St. Brendan's began to get a bit more of the ball into the attack
in the second half but it was Good Counsel who got in moreso at the
other end. The Wexford school led by nine points with a quarter of the
match left, before St. Brendan's registered 1-2 in the last three
minutes.
Good Counsel got some efforts on the board in the early on and
went three points up with points by Michael Maloney, Harry Kehoe before
half forward Paudie Kehoe struck two points. St. Brendan's CS got
off the mark with a point by Eanna Murphy. Good Counsel created
the better of the chances early on and when Emmet Kent pointed it gave
them a lead of 0-5 to 0-1 with twelve minutes. St. Brendan's
rallied with two points in a five minute spell to leave two between them
0-5 to 0-3. Good Counsel added an effort and then scored their
first goal when full forward Michael Maloney finished to the net ten
minutes before the interval. Good Counsel were creating some
useful chances before St. Brendan's added two points with Eanna Murphy
finding the range, 1-6 to 0-5.
Good Counsel added another point but Eanna Murphy sent a free
between the posts. The new Ross school hit two unanswered efforts,
Michael Maloney adding to his goal with a point and the lively Harry
Kehoe sent a long distance free over the bar. Both sides traded
efforts and Good Counsel then led at half time by 1-10 to 0-7.
A free by Eanna Murphy cut the lead but it was shortlived and
Good Counsel were able to stretch ahead again. Good Counsel then added
two quick points, Harry Kehoe(free) and Paudie Kehoe to lead 1-13 to
0-8. St. Brendan's Eanna Murphy struck two efforts to cut the gap
again.
Disaster struck moments later when Good Counsel scored a second
goal, Paudie Keogh getting a stick to the ball to send it over the goal
line. Two minutes later Birr added a free but the match was going away
from them.
Ten minutes from the end Good Counsel had the bit between their
teeth and efforts by Harry Kehoe from distance and Paudie Kehoe put them
well in the clear, 2-15 to 0-11.
St. Brendan's showed some spirit in the closing minutes and
substitute Kevin Connolly scored as full forward Tomas Bolger was on
target. In what was to be the last piece of action St. Brendan's
won a 21 yard free seconds from the end, and Eanna Murphy's effort found
the net but Good Counsel were full value for their win.
GOOD COUNSEL COLLEGE: Niall Breen; Dean Kehoe, James Breen,
Pauric O'Gorman; Christopher Kent, Michael O'Hanlon, Pauric Whelan;
Harry Kehoe (0-6, 0-2 frees), Declan Murphy; James Hanrahan, Emmet Kent
(0-1), Paudie Kehoe (1-4), Kevin O'Grady (0-1), Michael Maloney (1-3),
James Cassin (0-1). Subs: Ger Alyward (for Kevin O'Grady); Shane Bradley
(for James Hanrahan); David Bridges (for Michael O'Hanlon).
ST. BRENDAN'S CS, BIRR: Michael Mulrooney; Joe Keeshan,
Christopher Connors, Donal Ryan; Brian Dunne, Barry Harding, Brian
Kelly; Evan Milne, James Roddy; Sean Coughlan, Cian Hogan, Eanna Murphy
(1-10, 1-7 frees); David Egan (0-1), Tomas Bolger (0-1), Conor Nolan.
Subs: Kevin Connolly (0-1) (for Conor Nolan); Aodan Kealey (for Evan
Milne); Brian Mulrooney (for Joe Keeshan).
REFEREE: Michael Cahill (Cloughjordan).

29/11/2007
Comfortable Win For Birr Under 14’s
Longford 5 Birr 47
Birr under 14’s recorded a comfortable win in Longford on
Saturday last. Birr were always in control of the game and tries by
Garry Drought, Kevin O’Connor, Maurice Guinan and Peter Dooley helped
seal a good all round team performance.
Birr team: Mark Pardy; Garry Drought, Philip Hogan, Michael
Kennedy, Garry O’Brien; Conor Fitzgerald, Graham Lynch; Mick Kenny,
Billy Connors, Eoin Loughman, Thomas Bailey, Kevin O’Connor, Eoin
Hayes, Maurice Guinan, Peter Dooley. Replacements all used: Jack
Kennedy, Luke Wells, Martin Byrne, Brendan Heffernan, Stephen Dwyer,
Niall Joe Maher, Conor Grimes.
Under 16; Longford 29 Birr 7
Birr under 16 side travelled to Longford on Saturday last. Birr
faced a huge task after conceding two early tries and despite a fight
back, resulting in Mark Guinan touching down, the early concession of
scores proved their undoing. Isaac Smith made his debut on the wing and
Donal Spain and Gearoid deCleir worked hard throughout.
Birr Team: Colm McEvoy; Issac Smith, Kealan Moran, Peter Kelly,
Gearoid de Cleir; Pat Camon, David Horan; Thomas Bortalozzo, Mark Guinan,
Reuben Noyce, Dean Bracken, Colm Flynn, Donal Spain, Liam Grimes, Niall
Maher.
Fundraiser
Thanks to all who supported the fundraiser on Saturday night
last. A special thanks to parents who supplied food and spot prizes.

29/11/2007
Birr Camogie Notes
AGM
Club AGM is on in Dooly's Hotel on Thursday, 6th December at
8p.m. All are welcome to attend especially parents.
Good Luck
Best of luck to St. Brendan's Community School Senior Camogie
team who play the Leinster final in Carlow on Saturday next.
Best of luck to the Birr Senior Hurling team also on Sunday
next.

15/11/2007
Birr Council Opts For Eastern Bypass
Birr Town Council opted for an Eastern bypass route of the town during
its monthly meeting in the Civic Offices on Wilmer Road on Monday
evening last.
There were two possible routes before the Councillors, the
Western and the Eastern, and a vote was taken on the matter. Three
councillors voted for the Western and six for the Eastern.
Going by the information provided by the Council Executive it
seemed obvious that a bypass along the Eastern side was the right
choice, however in recent months councillors have been approached by
landowners who do not want the road passing through their land.
Director of Services Michael Roche sympathised with these
landowners but added that they will be financially compensated. The road
will have to pass through somebody's land and all are agreed that Birr
badly needs a bypass.
The amount of traffic passing through the town has been steadily
mounting over the last few years and it is expected that the new M7
motorway running near Roscrea, which will open in 2009, will increase
the number of cars going through Birr.
Prior to the Council voting on the matter Vincent Hussey,
Planning Officer said that the Eastern route is the obvious choice
because the Western route would be more expensive and would be passing
through wetlands, i.e. an environmentally sensitive area. He said most
of Birr is east of the Little Brosna River.
Cllr Seán Doorley said he agreed with Mr Hussey. Cllr Michael
Campbell remarked that there has been much discussion on this matter
over the last few years and also on inner relief roads. He said he had
talked with a number of people over the last few months and they had all
advised him that the Eastern Route was the one to go with.
The Eastern Route will begin a couple of hundred yards from the
Black Bull on the Roscrea / Birr road and emerge about half a mile out
the Birr / Tullamore Road.
Cllr John Carroll said they shouldn't rule out the Western Route
yet. He said he had been contacted by several landowners who didn't want
the proposed Eastern Route passing through their land. He felt that not
enough analysis had been done on the two routes and if they opted for
the Eastern bypass then they might be creating a white elephant.
Cllr Tony McLoughlin pointed out that most of the western bypass
would be in North Tipperary and would require a meeting with the
councillors in Borrisokane Area Committee.
The councillor said the town badly needs a bypass and 14,000 cars
are coming into the town from the Roscrea Road per day.
'If we choose the Western route then we will have to build an
extra bridge which will cost €1 million. The western route would also
pass through an environmentally sensitive area, the wetlands of the
Little Brosna River.'
Cllr Peter Ormond asked that if they chose the Eastern route
during the evening how long would it take to construct the bypass.
The Director of Services replied that the NRA's main focus at
present is on the National Primary Roads, a period which will be
finished by 2010, and then they will focus on the lesser roads.
Cllr Denis Sheils remarked that it is still very hard to make a
decision on this matter. 'The more I look at the reports the more
confused I become.'
Cllr Sinead Moylan said creating a bypass is urgent now. She said
the Eastern route will affect the livelihoods of landowners. She
wondered if the Eastern route could be moved 100 or 200 metres if needs
be. Mr Roche said this would be possible.
Cllr Moylan was worried that they didn't have enough information
before them. 'I don't think we should make a decision on this until we
have all the facts on the table.'
Cllr Ann Hynes disagreed, adding that much thought has already
gone into this matter and she believed the Council Executive had
seriously and thoroughly considered both options.
'I feel that it is one of those matters,' said Cllr Percy
Clendennen, 'that no matter what decision we come to people won't be
happy. I feel we must move this forward as quickly as possible and
therefore I have to go for the Eastern route.'
A vote was then taken on the matter. Cllr Michael Loughnane,
Chairman, asked which councillors were in favour of putting off a
decision on the matter and doing further analysis on the two routes.
Three councillors voted in favour of this and they were Cllrs John
Carroll, Sinead Moylan and Peter Ormond. Cllr Loughnane then asked how
many councillors were in favour of choosing the Eastern route. The other
six councillors voted in favour of this.
The Eastern Route will avoid existing areas of development and
areas of architectural / historical significance, and it will use good
agricultural land. The Council executive believe it will serve traffic
moving in and around the town better. It will be 2010, at the earliest,
before work on it will begin.

15/11/2007
Birr Area Committee Meeting
Details of the Sewage and Water schemes programmes for years
2008-2009 and the improvement work completed on the Shinrone/Kinnitty
Sewage plants were outlined in the progress report on water services
delivered to the Birr Area Committee meeting which took place at Birr
Civic Offices last week.
Cllr Tony Mcloughlin congratulated Mr Tom Shanahan on his most
comprehensive programme of works. Cllr McLoughlin highlighted the fact
that the comprehensive programme of works for the Birr sewage/water had
a projected cost factor in the region €22 million. He also
complimented the Engineer's decisive action taken on the completion of
the improvements at the sewage works at Kinnitty and Shinrone.
Housing Programme
At the meeting the Offaly County Council Housing
Officer, Caroline Dempsey, outlined the housing programme and the houses
that have recently been built. Cllr Peter Ormond, Cllr Sinead Moylan-Ryan
and Cllr Tony McLoughlin expressed they dismay that only two houses had
been built this year. The Councillors highlighted the fact that there
were 123 people currently on the housing waiting list.
The Housing Officer also informed the members that so far there
had been no take up on the affordable housing sites in Moneygall. She
added that, as a consequence, she was going to advertise the
availability of the sites. Again, Councillors concurred with Cllr Tony
McLoughlin in expressing their dismay at this and asked why a survey
wasn't carried out on the needs of affordable houses in Moneygall. The
members outlined the evident need for affordable houses being expressed
by people in the Kinnitty and Banagher areas.
Speed Limit
Also at the meeting a motion was put forward by Cllr Percy
Clendennen calling of 'Offaly County Council reduce the 60km speed
limit signs on road coming from Banagher past Rynagh's Service Station
onto the main Birr bypass road and to put down traffic calming ramps and
more prominent signage coming out onto the main road.'
Cllr Sinead Moylan-Ryan pointed out to members that the speed had
in fact now been reduced to 50km per hour. The Council Engineer, Mr John
Cunningham, commented that it would be totally inappropriate to place
ramps or other instrusive measures onto a main national road. However,
he did add, 'we definitely will look into the signage with a view to
heightening motorists awareness regarding speed at this particular
point.'

15/11/2007
Councillor Says Restored Workhouse Would Be A Great Asset For Birr
'I believe the benefits of a restored building incorporating a restored
section of the workhouse as it existed at the turn of 19th century, a
museum and interpretive board would be a huge attraction for tourists
from all continents, not least those who provided homes to our famine
emigrants,' said Birr Councillor John Carroll in a statement this week
as he urged everyone to work together to progress any project that would
see the Workhouse become a major tourist attraction in Birr.
Cllr Carroll highlighted the great benefits such a
development could have for Birr and said he was delighted that Offaly
County Council had secured funding for a study on possible uses for the
building.
Cllr Carroll recalled a visit to the Workhouse last
Summer.'During a very interesting visit to Birr Workhouse and its
environs during Birr Vintage Week, I was struck by how much of this
historic building remained intact and to think of the influence it had
on the lives of so many families in the 19th early 20th century.'
'Standing in its lonesome graveyard at the memorial erected by
the late Violet Doolin in memory of those inmates who perished, all were
of one mind that something should be done to stop the decay of this
important heritage site. As the only public representative present I
gave a commitment to seek what could be done to instil life in this
historic site,' he said.
'The numbers who attended that day were a surprise to all, not
least our local historian Margaret Hogan who has often found herself
ploughing a lone furrow in her efforts to protect this building.
'Everyone present that day was in agreement that the building and
its heritage must be preserved but equally we must be open to ideas and
the practicality of how this can be done.
'While we all have dreams, financial matters re restoration and
viability have to be high on the agenda, so we will have to look at
multi purpose use, i.e. Heritage/ commercial, public/private
tourism/agency etc,' he added.
'Presently all these angles are being examined at very initial
stages with steps being taken gently as the property is not in public
ownership. However, I must compliment the owner on his generosity in
allowing its use during Vintage Week and the foresight of the Vintage
Week committee in seeing the value of the premises to their festival is
also to be commended,' Cllr Carroll said.
'I am delighted that Offaly Co. Council have secured funding for
a study of possible uses of the building thanks to the hard working
heritage officer Amanda Pedrow working in liaison with owner. I am also
glad to hear a very influential agency has also cast a glance in its
direction.
' I believe the benefits of a restored building incorporating a
restored section of the workhouse as it existed at the turn of 19th
century, a museum and interpretive board would be a huge attraction for
tourist from all continents not least those who provided homes to our
famine emigrants.
'It will be important that we all work together in the coming
months to try and progress this project. People who have dreams,
compromises may have to be made, but I believe a window of opportunity
is opening. I ask that nobody is found wanting in the effort to see a
replica of an original workhouse as a major part of our tourism
promotion of Birr,' Cllr Carroll stated.

15/11/2007
St. Brendan's CS Students Ready To Rock
The students of St. Brendan's Community School are putting the final
touches to their preparations of 'We Will Rock You.' This musical
featuring songs by 'Queen' and Ben Elton is a brave venture for the
school, as it is only the second post primary school in Ireland to stage
this innovative show.
Following the sell-out success of 'Oliver' in 2006, this show
offers patrons something completely different. It is a bright and
animated show with a musical score to test its principals and chorus
members alike. aking place nightly from November 21st to November
24th next, the story is set in the future and will lead audiences on
fantastical tours of imagination.
Philip Dolan takes the lead male role of Galileo and is ably
assisted by Ciara Rice in the principal female role of Scaramouche.
Ciara and Philip are accomplished entertainers on St. Brendan's stage
with both having achieved memorable performances in 'Oliver.' Also
making a return are Oisin O'Carroll who gave a resounding performance as
the Artful Dodger and Lindsay Murphy who was a virtuoso act in the role
of Nancy. This year Oisin plays Khashoggi and Lindsay is Teacher. They
are ably assisted by the talented Laura Cleare who plays Meat, Nicholas
Kennedy (Big Macca), William Gleeson (Pop), Kevin Murray (Britney) and
Lyndsay Farrell (Killer Queen).
A lively chorus of 2nd, 5th and Transition Year students ably
assist the leads in their efforts to bring the future to St. Brendan's
audiences. Talented 2nd Year students are taking on the demanding role
of bringing the 'Ga Ga Kids' to reality. An experienced senior chorus of
Yuppies and Guards will burst on stage with all the vibrancy only
possible from a group of teenagers. The Primary Dancers with their
agility and skill complete the ensemble.
The school has a fine musical reputation with over 27 years of
experience to draw on. A special feature of St. Brendan's Community
School musicals is the whole school approach adapted to the
production. The talents of pupils and staff are exploited to the
full to make the school's musicals something to remember. The flair of
art, music, building-construction, science and home economics
departments are utilised to the fullest to produce the finished product.
As usual the senior prefects will take charge of the front of house
duties.
Booking is already brisk and patrons are encouraged to reserve
their seats at the earliest opportunity. A special school's
edition will take place on Wednesday, November 21st at 7.30p.m., with
Thursday, Friday and Saturday's performances beginning at 8p.m. sharp.
For booking please contact (057) 9120511. Tickets are adult €10, with
concessions and students €8 on Wednesday and Thursday. Special
group rates for schools on request. All tickets for Friday and Saturday
are €10.

15/11/2007
Birr News Digest
Birr Tidy Towns Committee AGM
The AGM of Birr Tidy Towns Committee will be held on Monday 19th
November next at 8p.m. in Dooly's Hotel.
Birr Life Skills
Are you interested in improving your confidence or getting back
into the workforce?
West Offaly Partnership/FAS are running a 13 week programme in
Birr beginning in January 2008. The programme will run Monday to Friday
9.30a.m.–4.30p.m.
This course is particularly suited to people (men and women aged
16 to 64 years) who may not have completed a leaving cert or who have
been out of the workforce force a number of years .
The programme is free of charge; there is a training, travel,
childcare and meal allowance available to eligible candidates. (Fas
terms and conditions apply)
For information on the course and the course content please
contact Fidelma Donnelly, West Offaly Partnership, Bridge St., Birr or
phone (057) 9121155.
Birr Choral Society AGM
Choral Society AGM will be held on Friday, 16th November, 2007 at
8pm in the Methodist Hall. New members welcome.
Birr Minor GAA Club
The winner of the SHC Final Guess the Score Competition organised
by Birr Minor GAA Club was Mary Harte from Kinnitty. Congratulations to
Mary who wins €300 and thanks to everyone who supported this and other
fund-raising ventures throughout 2007.
Missing Violin And Guitar
A Ranzo Masolini violin, pale brown in colour, and a guitar went
missing in Birr on Friday October 23rd. Sentimental value. Generous
reward for any information. Contact (086) 1663883.
Adult Social Dancing
Adult social dancing in Shinrone Community Centre on Saturday
November 17th. Music by Footloose, 9.30p.m. to 12.30a.m. Light
refreshments. Draw on door tickets.
Shoe B Doo
Shoe B Doo, Main Street, Birr - 25% off all bags, belts,
jewellery and accessories. (Advert).
Nutrimetics
Nutrimetics are hosting an 'Hour of Christmas Shopping' in
Dooly's Hotel on Wednesday November 21st at 8p.m. All welcome. All
natural skincare products. (Advert).
CRK Active Retirement Group
Carrig Riverstown Killeen Active Retirement Group will hold their
next meeting in Carrig Community Hall on Monday November 19th at
7.30p.m. New members welcome.
Fundraiser Night
Fundraiser Night in aid of Crumlin Children's Cancer Unit will be
held in the County Arms Hotel, Birr on Saturday December 1st. Music from
9p.m. Deuces Wild plus DJ until late. Tickets €20 availabe from
Midland Tribune, Mulholland's Pharmacy, Fox's Pharmacy and Square News.
Gardening Evening With A Difference
Ballyegan Gardening Club will meet on Wednesday November 14th at
8p.m. in Ballyegan Hall for an informal evening with lots of 'hands on'
participation to help prepare for a great Christmas.
'Christmas Cards for a Gardening Friend' - Joyce Wharton, with
great expertise, will demonstrate how to make your own special Christmas
cards.
They will also have a plant sale so everyone please remember to
bring your plants, shrubs or any garden produce.
Christmas logs will be available to decorate on the night. A
wonderful raffle is promised with lots of prizes sponsored locally. To
wind down the evening, a glass of mulled wine will be served with cheese
and crackers.
An eventful evening is sure to be enjoyed by all. Members and non
members very welcome.
Birr Resource Centre
Birr Resource Centre is a community facility, providing
affordable meeting space for community and voluntary groups. There
is a free administration service available to local groups.
For more details please phone Mary on (057) 9121912 or call in.
The office is open Monday to Thursday from 9.30a.m.-1.30p.m. and Friday
9.30a.m.-1.00p.m.
Social Dancing
There will be social dancing in the County Arms Hotel, Birr on
Tuesday next November 20th with music by Checkers.
Bible Talks
Bible talks are being held in Birr Resource Centre (Londis
Carpark) every Sunday 7.30p.m.-8.30p.m. Meetings are free and non
denominational. All are welcome.
Neighbourhood Watch Meeting
The next Birr Neighbourhood Watch Meeting is to be held on
Wednesday November 14th at 8p.m. in Dooly's Hotel. If possible all
committee members are asked to attend. New members are always very
welcome and very much needed.
Mission Of Hope Healing Team
Where: Knockaroo Parish Hall (2 miles from Borris-in-Ossory).
When: Saturday November 17th next. Time: 3p.m. Schedule: Mass at 3p.m. -
followed by talk by Denis O'Leary. Then Denis and the Mission of Hope
Healing Team will pray over each one individually for healing.
Directions to Knockaroo from Borris-in-Ossory: Go on one mile on the
Dublin Road. Turn right at Kilkenny exit and go about ten yards. Turn
right again and straight up the byroad to Knockaroo Parish Hall. All are
welcome to attend this special day of prayer and healing.
Birr Citizens Information Centre
Birr Citizens Information Centre will be closed on Monday next
November 19th. Open as usual from Tuesday. Telephone (057) 91
21017.
GROW
A Grow Group meets each week in Birr. If you are someone who
experienced depression or anxiety attacks or who is simply in need of
company do come along. You will have an opportunity to meet others,
share your problems in confidence, get support and make new friends. All
are welcome. No fees. Meetings take place in the Community Health
Centre, The Convent, Wilmer Road, Birr at 7.30p.m.every Tuesday. For
further information please contact Assumpta on (086) 8114135 or (057)
9351124.
Website: www.grow.ie Infoline: 1890 474 474.
Dochas
The Offaly Cancer Support Group is based at Teach Dóchas, Offaly
St., Tullamore. They offer support to people living with cancer and
their families and carers. Opening hours: Monday to Friday 10a.m to
2p.m. Telephone (057) 93 28268 email: dochasoffaly@eircom.net.
Farmers Vegetable Market
Farmers Vegetable Market will be in the Marian Hall Car Park
every Saturday between 10a.m.-5p.m. (Advert)
Medical Herbalist
Emmett Walsh, M.IIMH, M.NIMH, MSc (Herb Med), P.G.Dip (Herb
Med),. B.Arg.Sc. (Hons) Clinic at Roscore, Blueball, Tullamore. Tel:
(087) 2613042 or (057) 93 55844 by appointment only. Clinic at O'Meara's
Pharmacy, The Square Birr on Wednesdays. (Advert)
Marian Hall Notes
Bingo; The jackpot on Friday night last was not won. The jackpot
this Friday night is €3,000 on 48 calls with a top game of €300 if
not won. Also starting this week will be our Christmas side prizes.
Calling as usual is at 8.30p.m.
Progressive 25 Drive; Top prize on Sunday night was won on 12
games by Tony and Mary Larkin. Two pairs had 11 games Tom Carroll and
Pat Tumulty, Dick Johnston and Bill Owens. The last game winners were
Frank Mulvey and Michael Stephens while the table prize went to Maura
Guilfoyle and Freda Tierney. Raffle prize winners were Stephen Lonergan,
Joe Cantwell and Peter Darcy. Cards continue on Sunday night with a
jackpot of €100 if not won.
Birr Mart
Bullocks: 2 lim 495kgs €795, 1 ch 470kgs €805, 2 her 463kgs
€780, 1 fr 740kgs €1,040, 1 sim 690kgs €1,070, 2 sim 538kgs €800,
1 lim 635kgs €950, 1 ch 600kgs €925, 1 lim 480kgs €825, 1 ch
425kgs €800, 1 ch 700kgs €1,120, 1 wh 380kgs €625. Heifers: 1 ch
555kgs €840, 1 lim 560kgs €790, 1 ch 480kgs €700, 1 lim 390kgs €610,
2 her 435kgs €640, 2 ch 393kgs €640, 1 ch 445kgs €700, 1 ch 510kgs
€785, 2 ch 473kgs €775, 1 her 525kgs €800, 4 ch 405kgs €650, 1
lim 580kgs €890, 1 sim 630kgs €970, 1 sim 460kgs €770. Dry Cows: 1
her 730kgs €820, 1 fr 680kgs €550, 1 fr 595kgs €685, 1 fr 565kgs
€440.
Sheep sale Thursday 8th Novemeber 2007. Lambs: €23 to €31
over a kg. Cull Ewes: €30 to €50 per head.
At Roscrea Mart next Friday 16th November at 12.30p.m. special
entry of 10 Charollais pure bred registered maiden heifers for John
Craig, Rathcabbin. All suitable for breeding.
Birr Historical Society
A meeting of Birr Historical Society will take place at Dooly's
Hotel on Monday 19th Novermber 2007 at 8pm. Mr King will lecture on 'The
GAA in Birr.' All are welcome.
Birr Social Club
Teams Snooker Tournament in aid of the Birr Voluntary Nursing
Unit (Sponsored by Buckleys Super-Valu Main St. Bir). Last week results:
On Wednesday night Bank of Ireland beat Pilkingtons 3-2. On Thursday
night Gardai beat S. Whelehan 3-2. Friday night Kennos beat Buckleys 4-1
and on Saturday night Derek Kellys beat Social Club Oldies 3-2. This
week's fixtures: Thursday - Sids v Social Club, Friday 16th Buckley's v
S. Fanneran, Tuesday 20th Tony Mac v J. Dwyer.
Rambles In Eireann
On Friday 16th November at 9.00p.m sharp there will be a Table
Quiz at the Enroute Bistro. Table of four -€20. Everyone
welcome.
The annual Christmas Dinner and Party will be on Saturday 22nd December
at 8 00p.m at the Enroute Fivealley. Cost €35. This is open to non
members. For bookings ring Sinead on (086) 0548143 after 6.00 p.m
On 4th November 34 Ramblers enjoyed one of the best walks ever.
Many thanks to Ronnie Bryant who - on a dry calm and cool
day - guided the group around Mountbolus, Killoughey and Rathrobin.
Thanks also to the Mountbolus Social Centre for the delicious tea and to
the Leonard and Mahon families for permitting access to Rathrobin House.
Classic Cuts
GHD Christmas Gift Set available. For more information - contact
Classic Cuts at Main St. Birr. Phone (057) 91 21266. (Advert).
Highfield United lotto
The numbers drawn in the Highfield United lotto this week were 1,
2, 25, 26. There was no Jackpot winner or no match three
winner. Five names drawn receive €30 each Tracey Kinsella, c/o S.
Pardy; )Pauline McGarry Snr, c/o S Hernon; D&M, c/o D. Cotter; Gail
Byrne, c/o Paschal Byrne; )Margaret Kearney, c/o J. Hayes. Next week's
draw will be held in Nolans for a jackpot of €6,950.
Birr Town Lotto
Numbers drawn in this week's Birr Town Lotto were 4, 12, 15, 29,
and the bonus was 25. No winners of Jackpot. There were three match
three winners; Geraldine McIntyre (x 2) €100, Colm Bannon, Derrinduff,
€50, Rody Carroll, Killeen €50. Next week's jackpot is still at €17,000
with €3,000 extra on the bonus. The draw will be in Sunrise Inn.
St. Pio Mass
The St. Pio Mass will be celebrated on Tuesday 20th November at
7.30 p.m. Rosary at 7.15p.m.
Camcor Bridge Club
The results from last week are: 1st nett - Linda Kenny and Olive
Kenny; Gross - Judy Craig and Liz Edge; 2nd nett - Mary Kelly and Ita
Kavanagh.

15/11/2007
Halloween Thrills At Birr Castle
Birr Castle and the haunted gardens gave chills, thrills and treats on
Halloween. Families from Birr and surrounding areas were spooked at the
Demesne on Halloween Night.
An overwhelming 340 children and their parents went around the
gardens to meet the deadly mummy at the castle keepgate, the witches of
the haunted gardens, the hunchback at the gatelodge, and even Dracula at
Birr Castle. The evening also included an amazing fire juggling show
from local performer Evan Short, and concluded with a bonfire in the
gardens.
Before heading home the children participated in a costume
contest, which featured a variety of creative costumes, including a
group of three girls dressed as a haunted house!
Big thanks are extended to everyone who attended, and also a
special thanks to all of the people who volunteered as tour guides and
Halloween characters for the night.

15/11/2007
Hit Polish Film At Birr Theatre
The Polish hit film, Testosterone will be shown at Birr Theatre &
Arts Centre on Tuesday 20th November, at 8p.m. All are welcome.
Tel: (057) 9122911?TESTOSTERONE? A huge hit at home earlier
this year, Testosterone provides a clever and hilarious take on the
constant struggle of men and women to understand one another. The
wedding of well-known scientist Kornel (Piotr Adamczyk) to famous singer
Alicja (Magda Boczarska) is to be the social event of the year. All hell
breaks loose as the final preparations are made. The groom’s father
has arranged a kidnapping, with help from the best man. It turns out
that the bride has had second thoughts and expressed her love for
another man. Further complications ensue during a wild party after the
wedding that never happened.?TESTOSTERON? KRAJOWY HIT Z POCZATKU
TEGO ROKU, TESTOSTERON, DOSTARCZA POMYSLOWEGO I ZABAWNEGO UJECIA
CIAGLYCH PRÓB WZAJEMNEGO ZROZUMIENIA SIE KOBIET I ME
CZYZN? Slub znanego naukowca, Kornela (Piotr Adamczyk) ze slynna
piosenkarka Alicja (Magda Boczarska) ma byc towarzyskim wydarzeniem roku.
Prawdziwe pieklo rozpetuje sie w trakcie ostatecznych przygotowan.
Ojciec Pana Mlodego wraz z dru ba zaaran owal porwanie. Okazuje sie, e
niepewna slusznosci swojej decyzji Panna Mloda wyznala milosc innemu me
czyznie. Dalsze komplikacje pojawiaja siew czasie zwariowanego przyjecia
po slubie, który nigdy sie nie odbyl.?Birr Theatre & Arts Centre 20
Listopada, 8p.m. Tel: (057) 9122911.

15/11/2007
Birr Aim To Make Amends For Last Year's Defeat
Birr begin their AIB Leinster Club Senior Hurling campaign next Sunday
against the side they faced in their last game in the Leinster Club
Championship. Ballyhale Shamrocks ended Birr's hopes of glory in the
Leinster Final last year and the Kilkenny champions now stand in the way
of Birr again as they meet in next Sunday's semi-final.
Ballyhale will have the advantage of home venue as the game will
be staged in Nowlan Park in Kilkenny when Birr will be trying to make
amends for last year's big defeat.
The Kilkenny side went on to regain the All-Ireland title in
March and thus joined Birr at the top of the All-Ireland Roll of Honour
with four titles, making Sunday's two sides the most successful clubs in
the history of the All-Ireland Club championships. Ballyhale won't want
to let their title go easily and Birr will have it all to do to dethrone
the Kilkenny men.
Last year's final was anything but a happy day for the Birr side
as Ballyhale Shamrocks went on a second half point scoring blitz to win
by a 12 point margin.
Birr contributed to their own downfall by shooting 12 first half
wides when aided by the breeze and they only led by a point at the
interval. Ballyhale quickly overturned that advantage in the second half
and once they hit the front they pulled away as Birr struggled to make
any impact in attack in the second half.
Birr started well enough but began to miss chances from the very
early stages. The sides had a point each on the board when Henry
Shefflin rifled the ball to the net in the 12th minute and they twice
led by four points around the middle of the half.
Birr enjoyed their best spell of the game in the second quarter.
They continued to miss chances but also hit five points without reply,
keeping Ballyhale scoreless for the last 13 minutes of the half, to go
in leading by 0-7 to 1-3 at half time.
Ballyhale hit four points in the first five minutes of the second
half to open a one goal lead and already Birr were facing an uphill
struggle. They had stretched the lead to 1-12 to 0-7 before Birr got
their opening score of the half after 16 minutes and they continued to
rattle over the points after that. Birr's goal was a consolation score
with three minutes left but they did continue to battle away and were
only denied a second goal by a brave save by the Ballyhale goalkeeper in
injury time.
It was a fifth Leinster title for the Kilkenny side and made
amends for their defeat at the hands of Birr in the 1991 Final. Now they
come face to face again at the semi-final stage with a place in the
provincial final at stake.
Birr are back under the guidance of Pat Joe Whelahan again and he
has a great record in the club championships. Straight after Birr's
victory in this year's county final he was already looking forward to
the forthcoming campaign.
'The club championship is now around the corner. That is my aim.
It's a tough opener against the Kilkenny champions but I don't mind.
We'd sooner play Kilkenny now than any other time. We play much better
outside Offaly, much better altogether,' he said.
Birr won their third Offaly title in succession this year by
defeating Kilcormac/Killoughey in the final. It was a hard earned
victory as Birr had to come from behind after a disappointing first half
before finally winning by 0-15 to 0-10.
That has been a feature of a lot of their games this year. They
have fallen behind and had to play catch up in the second half and they
managed to scrape a couple of narrow victories in Offaly but Sunday will
be a different kettle of fish. Ballyhale are a quality side and Birr
can't afford to let them build up a lead because with their experience
they are unlikely to let a good lead slip. Birr will have to be on their
guard from the start and not let the Kilkenny side build up a rhythm.
Of course Ballyhale will be without their star player Henry
Shefflin, who injured a cruciate ligament in September's All-Ireland
final and is out until the Spring, while their other county star, James
'Cha' Fitzpatrick is also set to miss out. He broke two metatarsal bones
in his right foot in the Kilkenny semi-final against James Stephens and
has been out since and was hoping to get the all clear to play on Sunday
but is unlikely to play.
Another likely absentee is wing forward Eamon Fitzpatrick as he
is scheduled to head to Australia later this week and having already
delayed his departure to play in the county final looks unlikely to
change his plans again. Midfielder Brendan Costello is also nursing an
injury picked up in the Leinster quarter final but they are hoping he
will be OK and they also hope Bob Aylward, who missed their last game,
will also be fit to take part.
Ballyhale manager Maurice Aylward is expecting his side to have
it tougher than they did last year. 'Birr won't be beaten easily,
certainly not as easily as we beat them last year,' he said. 'We are
hoping to have "Cha" back for that game. If we do it would
improve our chances no end. We are in a Leinster semi-final. We don't
want any team, not even Birr, beating us in Nowlan Park,' the Ballyhale
manager added.
The Ballyhale manager has a very proud record with the club. They
won both the league and championship double for the last two years in
Kilkenny and also won the league the year prior to that. Add in the
Leinster and All-Ireland titles and he has guided them to plenty of
silverware in a short few years.
Ballyhale retained their Kilkenny title when they defeated St
Martin's by 1-20 to 1-10 in the final recently. St Martin's got off to a
good start scoring 1-2 from play in the first 12 minutes but they failed
to score from play again after that. A bit like Birr in the Offaly
final, Ballyhale didn't really click in the first half and only scored
one point from play before the interval when they trailed by 0-7 to 1-5.
A soft goal in the first minute of the second half handed them
the initiative and they quickly took control. St Martin's clung onto
their coat tails and were still only four points down with about eight
minutes left when they missed a goal chance. That proved to be their
last chance as Ballyhale quickly rattled over six points to seal a
comfortable victory.
Since then they also had an outing in the Leinster Championship
when they beat Carlow champions Mount Leinster Rangers by 1-14 to 0-12.
They didn't play particularly well but as is often the case against the
so called lesser opposition, particularly just a week after winning and
celebrating a county title, it was just a case of getting the job done.
Mount Leinster Rangers had a lot of possession but couldn't turn
it into scores. Ballyhale led by 1-5 to 0-6 at the interval and although
the Carlow champions fought back to level early in the second half,
Ballyhale's experience eventually told and they went on to win by five
points.
Ballyhale have had those two games since Birr won their county
final and those games could stand to the Kilkenny champions. It is four
weeks since Birr won the Offaly title and while they had played practice
games, they don't compare to competitive matches.
Birr have done well defensively this year and that defence will
definitely have to be on their toes on Sunday against a lively Ballyhale
attack where the three Reid brothers, T.J., Eoin and team captain
Patrick, will provide the biggest threat. They scored 1-16 of their
side's 1-20 in the county final, 1-10 of that from play. Colin Fennelly
has some in in the forward line this year and Mark Aylward will also
have to be watched.
However, as mentioned, the Birr defence has been strong with
Niall Claffey performing well at full back and the ever dependable John
Paul O'Meara and Michael Verney in the corners. Paul Cleary is now sited
at centre back. Rory Hanniffy and Dylan Hayden have started recent games
on the wings, but Rory has made strong contributions when switched to
midfield in both games and Brian Watkins did well when introduced in the
county final so it will be interesting to see how Birr start on Sunday.
At midfield Barry Whelahan will man one of the berths with Rory
Hanniffy, Neil Rogers, Paul O'Meara or even Sean Ryan as possible
partners. Ballyhale will have the strength of Michael Fennelly and they
hope 'Cha' Fitzpatrick, but Brendan Costello has done well in his
absence.
The make up of the Birr attack will be eagerly anticipated. They
made changes early in the county final and with the intermediates now
challenging for starting places, there is good competition. Sean Ryan
has recovered from injury and will start either at midfield or attack
while Keith Hehir also did well when introduced in the county final.
Brian Whelahan was the star that day with ten points while Gary Hanniffy
is also playing well. Stephen Brown's pace is always a threat while
Simon Whelahan, Michael Dwane, Paul Molloy and Paul O'Meara will all be
in the shake up.
Ballyhale also have a good defence with Eamon Walsh solid at full
back and the strength of Aidan Cummins at centre back providing a strong
spine. Paul Shefflin and Padraig Holden are tight corner backs while
Keith Nolan is back from injury on the wing with Michael Dermody and Bob
Aylward other options in defence.
It is a big task for Birr to travel to Kilkenny to take on the
All-Ireland champions but so often in the past they have come into their
own at this time of the year. This is the kind of competition and
opposition that helps them raise their game. They also want to make up
for last year's disappointing performance and do themselves justice.
Ballyhale will probably go into the game as favourites but Birr
will push them all the way and it is sure to be much closer than last
year's final, probably going right down to the wire.

15/11/2007
Birr Capture Under 18 'B' Title
Birr Camogie Notes
We played our U-18 'B' Final on Sunday last against Kinnitty in
Clareen and it turned out to be one of the best games this year with end
to end camogie. There were goal chances galore for both teams but
its a pity more supporters didn't venture out to see this great game.
It turned out to be a very important game for Birr who really
needed a victory as a reward for all the training that had been put in
since last February by this panel of girls and thankfully they got their
reward in a good victory scoring 3-5 to Kinnitty's 0-4. The Birr girls
were thrilled with their win and as only three of this panel will be
overage next year, they could be contesting the 'A' final next year if
they all keep together.
Birr started the game well and were unlucky a number of times
sending shots narrowly wide and making Kinnitty's goalkeeper make some
good saves. Eventually they pointed when Orlagh Kirwan hit a free
after Mairead Dooley was fouled. Michelle Gleeson forced a '45'
which Kady McKenna pointed then Kinnity broke fast from defence and
Aoife Corrigan pointed after a good solo run which could easily have
been a goal.
Birr continued to attack but missed some easy chances before Kady
McKenna pointed a '45' again and Orlagh Kirwan picked up a lovely pass
from Orla Masterson who was playing out of her skin in the half back
line, and Orlagh Kirwan neatly popped it over the bar to leave the half
time score, Birr 0-4, Kinnitty 0-1.
The second half started with Kinnitty attacking straight away and
pointing from play. Then they pointed a free to leave just one point
between the teams. This seemed to give Birr a wake up call and
when Michelle Gleeson moved to the half forward line switching with
Michelle Nagle it had an immediate effect.
They worked a lovely move between them and it was Michelle
Gleeson who finished it to the net. Mairead Dooley pointed from play
then Michelle Nagle netted when she collected a great pass from Jane
McCarthy who had sidestepped her defender, Michelle raced in and
handpassed to the net.
Kinnitty pointed a lovely score from the right side of the field
but it was Birr who finished the strongest when a shot by Michelle
Gleeson was dropped by the Kinnitty goalkeeper and Orlagh Kirwan caught
it and handpassed to the net.
Birr introduced Caroline Soupe for Megan Parsons, Rebecca Hoctor
for Michelle Nagle and between them they nearly got another goal.
Caroline Soupe caught a great ball and delivered a great pass to Rebecca
Hoctor who turned her player and headed for goal but unluckily shot just
wide.
Emily Quinlan replaced Sarah Pilkington and cleared some Kinnitty
attacks which was great relief to the Birr players. When the final
whistle went Birr were relieved as Kinnitty never gave up and this
wasn't an easy victory for Birr.
This was a great team performance with everyone playing well on
the day. Shauna Carroll was solid in goals with good puck outs. The full
backline of Gillian Molloy, Grace Ryan and Sarah Pilkington did the
simple things but did them well. Siobhan Rogers, Kate Ryan and
Orla Masterson did extremely well all day and never let the Kinnitty
players settle on the ball. At midfield Kady McKenna played a captain's
role and was all over the field attacking and defending when
needed. Julie Stephens held the midfield spot well stopping many
Kinnitty attacks. The half forward line of Jane McCarthy, Michelle Nagle
and Mairead Dooley ran all day and delivered great balls to the full
forward line of Megan Parsons, Michelle Gleeson and Orlagh Kirwan who
finished well.
Kinnitty were well served by Aoife Corrigan, Leanne Scully, Mary
Bergin and Teresa Corrigan in goals who made many saves.
Emily Quinlan, Angela Ryan, Jane Ryan, Caroline Soupe and Rebecca
Hoctor did really well when introduced, and it was a pity Kelly Ann and
Tracey Milne were ill on the day and were unable to tog out but they
were there with the other substitutes Dearbhaile Sheils and Joanne Lyons
in the dugout.
Many thanks to Mick Hough, Martin McCarthy and Camillus King who
trained these girls all year, and to all the supporters who travelled
out to Clareen on Sunday last.

15/11/2007
Birr Inflict Big Defeat On CYM Terenure
Leinster League Rugby: Birr 36 CYM Terenure 5
On Sunday last Birr took on Dublin side CYM in leafy Ballyegan desperate
to boost their slow start to the season, and a powerful first half
showed this side is a force to be reckoned with.
The first ten minutes of the game began frantically with both
sides trying to force the play, resulting in handling errors and silly
penalties, until the Birr pack who were imperious during the first 40
minutes, decided to show their capabilities. Ronan Joyce steadied
himself behind a solid scrum and passed right to Gareth Doorley who
released Emmet Scully up the line. Quick recycled ball again changed
direction where the backs attacked with speed, ultimately allowing the
excellent Simon Loughnane to cross in the corner for a fantastic team
score, which captain Doorley was just wide with the conversion attempt.
CYM attempted to catch Birr with the restart going away from
their pack but this failed also, with Joe O'Loughlin ignoring the
sidestep option to bulldoze through three tackles, with Cronan Kennedy
on hand to finish in style and converted to lead 12-0. Not to be
outdone Andrew Lally decided to use the same tactic again from good
lineout ball from Danny Troy, Andrew crossed again with Birr now in
rampant humour.
Next up was Ronan Joyce who benefited from a long retrieved
Garryowen by Emmet Scully and Dermot O'Shea to pick his spot unhindered
under the posts, giving Doorley a simple conversion to the applause from
the large crowd. Soon after they had more to cheer again, founded
by Mick Keogh and Co, the pack rumbled towards the line, then reverting
to sniping hard yards in pairs around the fringes of the rucks, with
Cronan Kennedy on hand to apply the finishing touch for his second try
of the game, on the interval whistle with Birr leading 31-0.
Whilst undoubtly happy with his sides performance, coach Liam
Hogan sets high standards and now issued the same orders to his
replacements who were given a chance to shine.
The second half saw Birr hold the upper hand yet they could not
maintain their level of finishing displayed previously despite many
close calls. One example was Denis Hanley's drive that was well held up
as he tried to finish again following great work by the forwards.
Eventually Birr broke through with P.J. Kavanagh drawing the attacks to
allow David Niland to cross in the corner. And despite a great
performance Birr were disappointed when CYM scored a consolation try
near the end, a sure sign of rugged progression being made this year,
the year of the Black and Greens.
On a day of all round team excellence Simon Loughnane, Cronan
Kennedy, Mick Keogh and Andrew Lally were the cream of a fine crop.
Birr: C. Hogan. P.J. Kavanagh, E. Williams, K. Campbell, M.
Keogh, D. Troy, D. O'Shea, C. Kennedy, R. Joyce, G. Doorley (capt), A.
Lally, S. Loughnane, D. Middleton, J. O'Loughlin, E. Scully, K. Scully,
M. Czukiewski, D. Hanley, S. Broderick, D. Niland, C. Larkin, O. O'Meara.
Fixtures
Our first and seconds play Clane away this Sunday with 1.30p.m.
and 2.30p.m. starting times.
Training
Training continues on Tuesdays and Friday nights at 7.45p.m.
sharp.
Best Wishes
Best of luck to Keith Hehir and the rest of the Birr panel who
play Ballyhale on Sunday.
Fundraiser
A night is being run in the Clubhouse on Saturday week at 9p.m.,
proceeds towards the youth teams, all support appreciated.
Membership
Subscriptions are now due contact any member of the committee for
details.

15/11/2007
Cistercian Roscrea's Second Half Display Sees Off St. Brendan's CS
Leinster Colleges SH 'A'; Cistercian College Roscrea 1-14 St.
Brendan's CS Birr 0-10
Cistercian College Roscrea turned this Leinster colleges tie in their
favour in the second half to get past the battling challenge of St.
Brendan's Community School, Birr in the opening game of the Leinster
Colleges SH 'A' championship in Coolderry on Tuesday.
After trailing St. Brendan's by two points at the halfway stage
in the match, Cistercian Roscrea gave a stronger display in the second
half to come back into the contest. The hurling exchanges were tough
going and competitive at different times as both sides tried to get on
top.
Cistercian Roscrea began with a useful start in the second half
and struck with a goal in the 33rd minute, sent to the net by corner
forward Eoin Vaughan. The goal was a turning point and gave Roscrea a
three point lead and were able to build on that as the half went
on. Points by Seamus Hennessy and Danny McGuire gave Cistercian
Roscrea the advantage.
A margin of a goal separated the teams midway through the second
half with Roscrea ahead by 1-9 to 0-9. Cistercian Roscrea got a better
break of the ball and found the range with a further five points in the
last ten minutes to run out winners by seven points. St. Brendan's hit
their final point through Eanna Murphy, who then later received a second
yellow card and a red card following a foul on Eoin Vaughan.
St. Brendan's CS enjoyed their brighter spells in the first half
and got more of the ball into the forwardline. The sides were level once
in the early stages before St. Brendan's had the lead with points by
Eanna Murphy from frees and Thomas Bolger, the scorers of nine of their
ten points, the other only effort from play by Oisin O'Carroll very
early on.
Cistercian Roscrea had less chances in the first half and St.
Brendan's found the range with a number of frees. Roscrea corner forward
Seamus Hennessy was key for his team and hit all his teams four efforts
from frees in the first half. Birr had the lead and went very close to
scoring a goal coming up to half time when David Egan's shot crashed off
the upright.
St. Brendan's led by 0-6 to 0-4 at half time, then Roscrea
began well in the second half hitting a purple patch scoring 1-2 without
reply to go ahead by a goal. They led by five points ten minutes
into the second half, 1-8 to 0-6. Birr scored three points in a
row with points by Thomas Bolger and Eanna Murphy (all frees). A
goal was the difference between them late on as Cistercian Roscrea
hurled with more fluency.
Birr failed to score any more in the last twelve minutes of
play. Points late on by Seamus Hennessy, Danny McGuire and Rory
Shanahan saw Cistercian College come through winners by seven
points.
CISTERCIAN COLLEGE ROSCREA: Sean Burns; Kieran Moran, Jack
O'Carroll, David Breen; Ozer McMahon, Cormac Pardy, Rory Dunne; Diarmuid
Nash, Johnny Coady; Declan Hayes, Rory Shanahan (0-1), Niall Enright
(0-1); Seamus Hennessy (0-9, 0-8 frees), Liam Hyland, Eoin Vaughan
(1-0). Subs: Danny McGuire (0-2) (for Liam Hyland); Sam Gallagher (0-1)
for Ozer McMahon; Ozer McMahon (for Kieran McMahon).
ST. BRENDAN'S COMMUNITY SCHOOL, BIRR: Michael Mulrooney; Joe
Keeshan, Barry Harding, Chris Connors; Brian Kelly, Eanna Murphy (0-5,
0-4 frees, 0-1 '65'), Brian Dunne; James Roddy, Evan Milne; David Egan,
Cian Hogan, Conor Nolan; Oisin O'Carroll (0-1), Sean Grimes, Thomas
Bolger (0-4, 0-4 frees). Subs: Donal Ryan (for Sean Grimes); Enda Ryan
(for Joe Keeshan); Shane Kinsella (for Oisin O'Carroll); Shane Molloy
(for Evan Milne).
REFEREE; Martin Walsh (Birr).

7/11/2007
Tanaiste Launches Youth Development Project In Birr
The launch of Birr Youth Development project, or SUB (Saol Ui Biorra)
project was performed on Monday evening last at their premises on
Connaught St by Tanaiste and Minister for Finance, Brian Cowen, TD.
The SUB project is a Garda Youth Development project that is
funded through the Department of Justice. There are up to a 100 such
projects throughout the country. The Youth project in Birr is managed by
Foroige and the project leader appointed is Hazel Fleming. Currently
there are 21 youths from the Birr area participating in this project.
Along with Minister Cowen, other guests included local community
members who came along to lend their support to the youth projec,
hurling star Brian Whelahan and singer/songwriter, Mundy.
Acting MC for the occasion was Cllr Noel Russell who in welcoming
all to the official launch pointed out some of the other guests who were
in attendance including the Chairman of Foroige, Mr Billy Friely, Chief
Superintendent Gabriel McIntyre, Chief Superintendent Michael Feehan,
Gda Sgt Aidan Farrelly, Cllr Michael Loughnane, Chairman of Birr Town
Council, Olwyn Enright TD, Very Rev. Tony Cahir, PP, and the members of
the Birr Youth Development Committee. In particular Cllr Russell pointed
out the hard work carried out by youth development project leader Ms
Hazel Fleming.
Cllr Russell introduced two of the young participants on the SUB
project to say a few words regarding what was happening at the Youth
centre. There are some 21 youths from the Birr area involved in the SUB
project and one of them, Neil Brewer, gave some of the background to the
SUB project. 'The SUB project is run by Foroige and is overlooked by the
Gardai. The centre itself has been opened for four months during which
time we have decorated the building. We worked with a range of materials
under supervision. We are also looking forward to our soccer match with
the Gardai in the near future.'
Another youth involved in the SUB project, Patrick O'Leary,
also gave some insight into the what was going on in the SUB project.
'Since I've joined the SUB I have done a mass of activities through the
programme. For instance I have been to the gym, I have improved my
computer skills. I also went to the theatre to see a play.' Patrick
added that one of the most exciting things he has done since joining the
SUB was the outdoor activities including, orienteering, canoeing hiking.
Patrick added, 'since I've joined my confidence has grown and I'm
looking forward to doing more activities with this project.'
Addressing the audience Chief Superintendent Gabriel McIntyre
commented that the project represented a very positive development in
relation to working with youth in the area. 'This project is about early
intervention against anti-social behaviour and provides a focus where
youth in the area can be focused into productive and rewarding
activities.' The Chief Superintendent thanked the landlord for
making the premises available, the local community for their support,
local superintendent John Maloney and Sgt Aidan Farrelly.
Speaking to mark the occasion Foroige Chairman, Billy Friely
remarked, 'Foroige is responsible for the management of supervision of
over 100 Garda youth projects throughout the country. This is a good
opportunity to thank both the community and the Gardai for their
support.' Mr Friely also paid tribute to the SUB Committee adding, 'It
is part of the ethos of Foroige that the local community is involved in
the management through the committee of these projects.'
Launching the SUB project Minister for Finance, Mr Brian Cowen
remarked that it was a great pleasure to be here at Connaught St to
officially launch this scheme. 'This is a great opportunity for the
young people in the town and the area to avail of the very positive vibe
that has been created here in the last four months. From the two young
men who spoke here earlier it is obvious that they are both gaining
great confidence and benefit from this project and are clearly also
getting a great kick from their participation in the various outdoor
activities.'
Minister Cowen pointed out, 'We all know the difficulties that
are permeating several areas and places in Irish society at the moment.
I think that clearly if we are to help avoid anti-social behaviour there
is nothing better than having a youth diversion project such as this.
Young people who come will start to influence their peers outside the
project as well.'
Minister Cowen emphasised that this project enables the Gardai to
bring certain young people who have been drifting a certain direction
back into the 'fold' . 'As we have seen we have fine young people here
who are simply looking for a bit of direction and structure to help
ensure that they go along on the right path. That's what their parents
want, that's what the community wants and to have something here enable
that to happen.'
The Minister commented that there are over 100 of these Garda
Youth type projects throughout the country. Minister Cowen stated that
the fact that there is one here in Birr is because there is a need,
'that is something that we must first acknowledge.' He added further
that without community involvement and support there would be no way
that a project like this could successfully operate. 'All the many
active groups and clubs we have in Birr have to go in behind this
project. The 21 young people coming here have a great chance and I know
that they want to take that chance and use it as I also know that there
will be many more young people who will gladly avail of it.'
Minister Cowen emphasised that developing social skills amongst
our young people is so important. 'In particular we have excellent
examples of that from local people here today who have excelled in their
own field such as Brian Whelahan and Mundy. These are the people that
youth look up to for inspiration.'
Minister Cowen added, 'In all that creativity and diversity here
in Birr these are people who are providing a great example to young
people who might have an interest in that area but may not reach the
level of excellence or prevalence in the future but who can use music
and sport to build character. There are so many facilities available
here in Birr that can be used by the youth of the town. It is also a
question of furthering their own self esteem and confidence. To be
positive about themselves and their own self image.'
The Tanaiste and Minister for Finance was presented with art work
from the youths taking part in the project by Mark and Mickie
Ryan.

7/11/2007
Traffic Calming Scheme Proposed For Carrig
A full Traffic Calming Scheme is required to address serious speeding in
Carrig village, said Senior Roads Engineer, Mr. Marcus O'Connor, at the
Borrisokane Council Area meeting on Monday last.
He made the statement following comments by Councillors
expressing grave concerns about speeding in the village and requesting
that action by taken to address the problem.
Cllr. Ger Darcy said that parents of children at Carrig National
School in particular are very anxious and several have contacted him to
state their concerns. Cllr. Darcy said that there are flashing
warning lights in operation but these have lost the effectiveness they
had when first erected.
Mayor Jim Casey said that the serious issue of speeding should be
on the Council agenda for every meeting until it is addressed. He said
that there has been one accident after the other on the road and he does
not want a situation where someone is killed or seriously injured and
then have someone draw attention to the fact that the Council should
have taken measures to prevent speeding.
Mr. Frank Brohan, Area Engineer, said that he had arranged the
erection of additional signs and yellow road marking over the past few
days, which should have some effect.
Mr. O'Connor said that he had been contacted by Carrig National
School and that the area is considered a high priority. He said that the
most recent survey on the area showed that 85% or motorists were
exceeding the speed limit. He also stated that the most dangerous bend
is inside the speed limit zone and that this needs work carried out to
it in addition to a full Traffic Calming Scheme for the village.

7/11/2007
Crinkle Tidy Villages And Development Association
Paint & Flowers Competition
Despite the very wet summer a number of householders made great
efforts to present their homes and gardens to a high standard. Judging
in the Paint & Flowers competition took place during the month of
August and the following houses were shortlisted for the prize –
Whiteford - Michael Loughnane and Martin Spillane, Cribben Tce - Tommy
Doherty, Seamie Maher and Una Yeates, Boherdeel Rd – Joe Blake, George
Kent and Paul Nolan, Military Road – Des O'Brien, Nigel Johnston and
Michael Deegan, Grove Street – Marie O'Reilly, Willie Bennett and Rose
Kealy, Hawthorn Drive – Vinny and Carol Harte, Cemetery Road – Mrs.
Hutchinson and Caroline Blake
The winners will be announced and presentation of prizes will
take place on Monday 12th November at 9.30 pm in The Thatch,
Crinkle. The association would like to take this opportunity to
thank all those householders who put in an effort to brighten up their
homes. All residents are invited to come along to the award presentation
on Monday 12th November in the Thatch.
The competition has been kindly sponsored by Hassetts Topline
Hardware and Dulux paints and first and second prizes will be awarded.
Church Gate Collection
There will be a church gate collection on the weekend of 1st and
2nd of December. Thank you for your generous contributions to past
collections and your continued support will be appreciated.
Tidy Towns Competition
The association was delighted to receive the Endeavour award for
Co. Offaly. This is presented for the village or town which shows
the most improvement on the previous year. Crinkle was awarded 225
points in 2007, an increase of 17 on the previous year. The
committee was obviously delighted to receive the award as an
acknowledgement by an experienced, independent judge of the progress
made to date and it is great encouragement to keep going for the future.

7/11/2007
Birr Hosts Successful One Act Festival
Birr Stage Guild hosted a very successful one act drama festival over
the recent bank holiday weekend.
Nine plays were staged over three nights and there were some
excellent productions witnessed, which gave adjudicator Garry Lombard
plenty of food for thought before he made his final decisions on the
winners in the various sections.
Birr Stage Guild are hoping to make this an annual event and they
were encouraged by the response to this inaugural weekend.
The Guild were delighted to inaugurate two perpetual awards
for Best Play in both Open and Confined Sections. They extended sincere
thanks to the Lucey family and the Fanning family for their generous
sponsorship in memory of Dr John Lucey and Mr James I. Fanning, both of
whom were founder members of Birr Stage Guild.
On the opening night the three plays were 'The Wayfarer' by
Tungsten Theatre Group, Galway, 'Forward To The Right' by Amphitheatre
Company, Kilkee and 'Death Of A Dummy' by St Patrick's Dramatic Society,
Glenageary, which went on to win three awards in the open section.
Saturday night's offering included 'Pillow Talk' by Bradan
Players Leixlip, 'A Cliff Hanger' by Camross Drama Group and 'The Wooden
Pear' by Sanity Clause Theatre Company, Kilbarrack.
On the final night the plays were 'The Little Gentleman' by
Haulbowline Theatre Group, Cork, 'Snow Angel' by Moate Dramatic Society,
which swept all the awards in the confined section, and 'Sundays' by La
Touche Players.
Adjudicator Garry Lombard gave his adjudication at the end of
each night and on the final night the results were announced, which were
as follows:
Open
Dr John Lucey Trophy For Best Play - 'Death of a Dummy', St.
Patrick's Dramatic Society, Dalkey
James I. Fanning Award for Best Actor - Seymour Creswell as
'Harry' in 'Death of a Dummy'.
Isobel Fanning Award for Best Actress - Geraldine Dunwoody as
'Madeline' in 'The Wooden Pear' (Sanity Clause Theatre Company).
Best Producer - Judith Elmes, St Patrick's Dramatic Society
Confined
Birr Stage Guild Trophy for Best Play - 'Snow Angel' , Moate
Dramatic Society
Best Actor - Peter Dolan as 'John' in 'Snow Angel', Moate
Dramatic Society.
Best Actress - Michelle O' Brien as 'Connie' in 'Snow Angel',
Moate
Best Producer - Aidan Digan, Moate Dramatic Society.
Adjudicator's Special Awards
Yvonne Smith for set design in 'Death Of A Dummy', St Patrick's
Dramatic Society.
Robert Webster for excellent performance as 'Daniel' in 'The
Wooden Pear' by Sanity Clause Theatre Company.

7/11/2007
Birr News Digest
Wilmer Tennis Club
The club championships concluded on Friday night last with the
two singles finals. In the men's final Michael Costello defeated Chris
Collins, 6-4, 6-4, while the ladies title was won by Amanda Luttrell,
who defeated Csilla Varga, 6-2, 6-5. Afterwards the prizes for all the
championships were presented in the clubhouse, where there was plenty of
entertainment and fun for all present. Congratulations to all the
winners and to everyone who took part in the championships and also to
the organisers for the efficient way in which the championships were
run.
The next social tennis night will be held on this Friday November
9th at 7.30p.m. Come along for another night of fun and enjoyment.
Gardening Evening With A Difference
Ballyegan Gardening Club will meet on Wednesday November 14th at
8p.m. in Ballyegan Hall for an informal evening with lots of 'hands on'
participation to help prepare for a great Christmas.
'Christmas Cards for a Gardening Friend' - Joyce Wharton, with
great expertise, will demonstrate how to make your own special Christmas
cards.
They will also have a plant sale so everyone please remember to
bring your plants, shrubs or any garden produce.
Christmas logs will be available to decorate on the night. A
wonderful raffle is promised with lots of prizes sponsored locally. To
wind down the evening, a glass of mulled wine will be served with cheese
and crackers.
An eventful evening is sure to be enjoyed by all. Members and non
members very welcome.
Birr Resource Centre
Birr Resource Centre is a community facility, providing
affordable meeting space for community and voluntary groups. There
is a free administration service available to local groups.
This year once again we are a collection point for the Shoe boxes
for Operation Christmas Child the last date for the boxes to be here is
9th November.
Judy Pearson is holding six weeks of Art lessons starting on 6th
November.
Kidz Kraftz starts again on Thursday 8th November 4p.m.–
5.30p.m. for 5yrs-7yrs, cost €4, and Friday 9th November for
8yrs-12yrs, cost €5.
There has been interest expressed for Adult Craft Evenings. These
will be held on the second Tuesday of each month 7p.m.-9p.m. starting on
November 13th 2007, cost €10. Materials and refreshments will be
supplied for all classes. For more details please phone Mary on (057)
9121912 or call in. The office is open Monday to Thursday from
9.30a.m.-1.30p.m. and Friday 9.30a.m.-1.00p.m.
Book Club
The next book club meeting will be held on Monday 12th November.
The book for this month is 'The Grave Tattoo' by Val McDermid (chosen by
Lisa). New members welcome. Enquiries (057) 91 39028.
Mercy Primary AGM
The AGM for Mercy Primary School Parents Association will be held
on this Thursday November 8th at 7.30p.m. in the School PE Hall.
Social Dancing
There will be social dancing in the County Arms Hotel, Birr on
Tuesday next November 13th with music by Brendan Lee.
Bible Talks
Bible talks are being held in Birr Resource Centre (Londis
Carpark) every Sunday 7.30p.m.-8.30p.m. Meetings are free and non
denominational. All are welcome.
Offaly Arts & Crafts Association
Offaly Arts & Crafts Association Winter Fair will be held in
the Bridge House, Tullamore on Sunday November 11th from 11a.m. to 6p.m.
Crafts, art and food.
Camcor Bridge Club
The results from last week's Camcor Bridge Club were as follows:
1st nett, Joanne Loughnane & Mary Glendenning; Gross, Mary Rutledge
& Ena Loughnane; 2nd nett, Maureen Hayes & Sadie Leonard. This
Wednesday November 7th, turkey partners.
Birr Theatre & Arts Centre
There’s drama and music at Birr Theatre & Arts Centre this
weekend. Friday and Saturday – Heart ‘n’ Crown Theatre Company
present John B. Keane’s The Field at 8p.m. and a special schools
matinee at 11a.m. on Friday November 9th.
Liam Reilly & Bagatelle take to the stage on Sunday 11th
November with their music hits including Summer in Dublin. Full details
on www.birrtheatre.com or contact the box office: (057) 9122911
Church Gate Collection
GROW Community Mental Health Movement would like to thank most
sincerely the people of Birr for their very generous support in their
recent church gate collection which was held on 6th and 7th October.
Thanks also to those who collected at it.
Neighbourhood Watch Meeting
The next Birr Neighbourhood Watch Meeting is to be held on
Wednesday November 14th at 8p.m. in Dooly's Hotel. If possible all
committee members are asked to attend. New members are always very
welcome and very much needed.
Gatekeepers Programme ? The final presentation of the Gatekeepers
Mental Health Programme will take place in the Birr Community Nursing
Unit on Tuesday 13th November, 2007, at 8p.m.
The topic for this week is 'Adolescent Development &
Parenting' and it will be delivered by Jacinta Nolan, Senior Clinical
Psychologist, HSE Midlands.
Everyone is welcome to attend. Certificates for those who have
attended two or more of the Talks will be presented on the
night.
Any enquiries to Josephine Rigney on (086) 8157850 or (057) 86
64513.
Chesterfield Close
Chesterfield Close Community Pre-School and After School reopened
under new management. Pre-school Monday to Friday from
9.30a.m.-12.30p.m., after-school Monday to Friday 3.30p.m. to 5.30p.m.
Agility Challenge starts on Wednesday, 14th November to help increase a
child's physical development. For details please contact Sheila Kirwan,
Childcare Leader at (057) 91 22289 or call into the centre.
Carrig & Riverstown Ladies Group
The November meeting of Carrig & Riverstown Ladies
Group will take place on Monday November 12th at 8p.m. in the Community
Hall. New members welcome.
Beginners Art Workshops
Weekday workshops for adults, who are complete beginners at art,
will be held at Tin Jug Studio, Brendan Street, Birr on Wednesday
November 21st and Wednesday November 28th, 10a.m.-1p.m. Each workshop
will be three hours long and include drawing, painting and colour
tuition with artist Jenny Boelens. Cost: €45 pp, per workshop, with
all materials included. Start the morning with fresh scones and
coffee/tea and learn to paint and draw in an enjoyable, encouraging,
relaxing atmosphere - and sample a chocolate treat at the finish! Ring
Rosalind for information and bookings: (057) 91 21818/(087) 668 1783.
TJS is open 2-5p.m. Saturdays.
Kabelo Fashion Show
The very popular Kabelo boutique in Birr will stage a Fashion
Show on Thursday, November 8th, in the County Arms Hotel, Birr at
7.30p.m. Tickets costing €15 each will be available at the door
on the night. All proceeds from the event will go to Chernobyl and the
Offaly Hospice. A great night is guaranteed.
Marian Hall Notes
Bingo: The jackpot on Friday night last was not won. The jackpot
this Friday night is €3,000 on 48 calls with a top game of €300 if
not won. Calling as usual 8.30p.m. sharp.
Progressive 25: Top prize was won on 11 games by Seamus O'Grady
and Tom Ryan. Five pairs had 10 games Dick Johnston and Bill Owens,
Jimmy Byrne and Jack Ryan, Liam and Marguerite Shanahan, Rose Egan and
Tim Hough, James O'Brien and Patsy Lynch. The last game went to Dolores
and Mick Ryan while Tim Carey and Tony Doorley won the table prize.
Raffle prize winners were Kieran Coughlan, Jimmy Byrne and Jack Kennedy.
Cards continue on Sunday night at 9p.m. sharp with a jackpot of €100
on 14 games.
Highfield Utd FC
Numbers drawn in the Highfield United lotto this week were
4, 15, 23 and 30. No jackpot winner. Two match three winners receive €75each
- Ger Roberts, c/o Greg Carroll; Greg Carroll. Next week's draw in
Whelahan's for a Jackpot of €6,800.
Birr Mart
Bullocks: 3 lim 392 €685, 1 ch 485 €820, 1 ch 415 €730, 1
fr 875 €1,050, 3 lim 580 €905, 1 ch 850 €1,330, 1 ch 495 €820, 4
lim 531 €860, 2 ch 468 €810, 1 lim 720 €1,010, 1 sim 630 €965, 1
lim 755 €1,075, 1 ch 770 €1,090, 1 ch 590 €925. Heifers: 1 ch 560
€835, 1 lim 530 €775, 3 ch 342 €575, 2 lim 558 €840, 1 ch 445
€730, 1 bb 485 €795, 1 ch 425 €625, 5 her 338 €485, 4 ch 365 €595,
3 lim 427 €665, 2 lim 538 €775, 1 ch 470 €760. Dry Cows: 1fr 670
€685, 1 fr 645 €525.
Sheep sale on Thursday 1st November: Lambs: €23 to €31 over a
kg. Cull ewes: €25 to €50 per head. Breeding Ewes: €70 to
€80 per head.
Birr Active Retirement
Members are invited to a social evening in Carrig Hall starting
with Mass at 7.30m on Thursday November 8th. Should anyone need
transport please inform one of the committee.
Birr Social Club
Teams snooker tournament in aid of the Birr Voluntary Nursing
Unit sponsored by Buckleys Super Valu, Main St, Birr. Results: Sunrise
Inn bt Social Club 3-2, J. Ryland bt B. Guinan 3-2, E. Nolan bt J. Dwyer
4-1, M. Nolan bt P. Dunphy 3-2, E. Sullivan bt B. Whelahan 4-1. This
week's fixtures: Wednesday November 7th Pilkingtons v Bank of Ireland,
Thursday November 8th Gardai v Simon Whelahan, Friday November 9th:
Buckleys v Social Club; Saturday November 10th D. Kelly v Social Club
Oldies. Tuesday November 13th Wilmer TC v B. Nolan.
Birr Stage Guild AGM
The AGM of Birr Stage Guild will be held on this Friday 9th
November at 8p.m. in Dooly's Hotel. This is your musical and drama
society. Come and hear what it has been up to this past year, and its
plans for 2008. Your ideas and help are needed! Can you use a hammer,
paint, sew, write a few lines for publicity? Are you interested in
singing, acting, designing, directing, dancing? Are your friends,
children, uncles, aunts, grandparents, future or past participants with
BSG?
All welcome! This is one AGM where you do not have to take on a
job! Just come and enjoy and say what you want Birr Stage Guild to be
doing!
Mission Of Hope Healing Team
Where: Knockaroo Parish Hall (2 miles from Borris-in-Ossory).
When: Saturday November 17th next. Time: 3p.m. Schedule: Mass at 3p.m. -
followed by talk by Denis O'Leary. Then Denis and the Mission of Hope
Healing Team will pray over each one individually for healing.
Directions to Knockaroo from Borris-in-Ossory: Go on one mile on the
Dublin Road. Turn right at Kilkenny exit and go about ten yards. Turn
right again and straight up the byroad to Knockaroo Parish Hall. All are
welcome to attend this special day of prayer and healing.
Medical Herbalist's Clinic
Herbalist Emmet Walsh holds a clinic at Roscore, Blueball,
Tullamore. Tel: 087 2613042 or 05793 55844. Clinic also at O'Meara's
Pharmacy Birr on Wednesdays.
Birr Leisure Centre
Birr Leisure Centre were the recipients of the proceeds of a very
enjoyable night's entertainment in Kelly's Pub Rathcabbin.
The talent contest was won by Michael O'Meara with a powerful
rendition of Patrick Kavanagh's 'At the Dawning of the Day'; a close
second was Des Clancy; a duet from Rosemary Reddin and Jennie came
third; Richard Needham who was placed fourth was also impressive.
However the big winner was Birr Leisure Centre who received a
cheque for €500. Pat Connolly, Chairman, thanked the organiser Sarah
Brady and also thanked the host pub 'Kellys' who facilitated this event,
and to all who took part in what was a fun event. He also thanked
everyone who had supported the committee's fundraising effort.
Birr Citizens Information Centre
Birr Citizens Information Centre now has the newly published
guide 'Entitlements for the Over 60s'. This guide was published in
September and has lots of advice and guidance. Office Hours: Monday to
Friday 10a.m. to 2p.m. Telephone (057) 91 21017.
GROW
A Grow Group meets each week in Birr. If you are someone who
experienced depression or anxiety attacks or who is simply in need of
company do come along. You will have an opportunity to meet others,
share your problems in confidence, get support and make new friends. All
are welcome. No fees. Meetings take place in the Community Health
Centre, The Convent, Wilmer Road, Birr at 7.30p.m.every Tuesday. For
further information please contact Assumpta on (086) 8114135 or (057)
9351124.
Website: www.grow.ie Infoline: 1890 474 474.
Dochas
The Offaly Cancer Support Group is based at Teach Dóchas, Offaly
St., Tullamore. They offer support to people living with cancer and
their families and carers. Opening hours: Monday to Friday 10a.m to
2p.m. Telephone (057) 93 28268 email: dochasoffaly@eircom.net.
Farmers Vegetable Market
Farmers Vegetable Market will be in the Marian Hall Car Park
every Saturday between 10a.m.-5p.m. (Advert)
Medical Herbalist
Emmett Walsh, M.IIMH, M.NIMH, MSc (Herb Med), P.G.Dip (Herb
Med),. B.Arg.Sc. (Hons) Clinic at Roscore, Blueball, Tullamore. Tel:
(087) 2613042 or (057) 93 55844 by appointment only. Clinic at O'Meara's
Pharmacy, The Square Birr on Wednesdays. (Advert)
Table Quiz
There will be a table quiz in the Community Hall, Lorrha, on
Friday 9th November at 8p.m. Tables: Adults €20 and children
(primary school age) €10. 'Fun for all ages.' Raffle &
refreshments during the interval. Proceeds to the parishes of
Lorrha, Dorrha and Lockeen and all are welcome. Your support will be
much appreciated.

7/11/2007
Dance All Day
While the arts in Offaly has gained much ground in recent years in terms
of its profile, diversity, quality of events, there has been a notable
absence of professional companies such as a theatre or dance companies
being resident here. But breaking the ground is the newly formed
Legitimate Bodies Dance Company which is now resident in Birr Theatre
and Arts Centre.
They are currently in a research and development phase in
conjunction with Birr Theatre and Arts Centre and Offaly County Council
and Nick and Cristina are making quite a name for themselves with their
community and youth dance classes, not to mention impromptu performances
around Birr on Fridays. They have also played a big part in this year’s
first Hullabaloo Children’s Arts Festival with workshops being booked
out. To further expand their work and profile in Offaly they are pleased
to present a weekend of workshops and dance classes for all levels of
ability.
On November 17th and 18th they are hosting a two-day celebration
of dance that promotes Co. Offaly as a point of artistic and geographic
intersection in the country. The wide range of styles and levels
reflects the policy of Legitimate Bodies, which is to make dance
visible, accessible and real.
The first day, Saturday 17th of November, is a fun,
beginners-friendly programme of classes in various styles ranging from
ballet, Egyptian and Oriental Dance to Flamenco and Contemporary
provided for the local community. All the activities will be held at the
Birr Theatre and Arts Centre according to the following schedule:
1.15p.m.-2.15pm Contemporary Dance (Libby Seward)
2.30p.m.-3.30p.m. Flamenco (Valerie Larkin)
3.45p.m.-4.45p.m. Ballet (Cristina Goletti)
5.00p.m.-6.00p.m. Egyptian and Oriental Dance (Valerie Larkin)
With such varieties of styles and world-class teachers, not to
mention the bargain price of €4 per class and €6 for two classes,
there won’t be any excuses not to be there! Bring a bottle of water,
comfy outfit and all your friends for what promises to be a great
afternoon!
On Sunday 18th Tullamore takes centre stage for a day of
professional development for contemporary dancers in the country and is
aimed at more dedicated dance practitioners. The day will be hosted at
the Methodist Hall in Church Street and the cost is €25 for the entire
day. A few scholarships have been offered to some of the best young
dancers in the country coming from prestigious dance school such as:
College of Dance (Dublin), Inchicore College of Further Education
(Dublin), Shawbrook (Co. Longford), University of Limerick.
Bookings and enquiries at legitimatebodies@eircom.net or at (086)
1571660

7/11/2007
Science Week Takes Off At Birr Castle Demesne Next Week
Spaces are still available for schools to book a visit to Birr Castle
Demesne for Science Week 2007. Primary and secondary students have the
opportunity to be ‘Surrounded by Science’ next week, on 13th-14th
November as Birr Castle Demesne and Ireland’s Historic Science Centre
host a series of interactive exhibitions providing hands-on fun in a
variety of exciting scientific fields.
Representatives from prestigious science departments of
distinguished Universities in Ireland and other scientific entities will
be present, including the University of Limerick, Armagh Observatory,
NASA, Athlone Institute of Technology and the Shannonside Astronomy Club
(SAC).
Activities will include indoor stargazing at constellations,
digging for meteorites, gyroscopes, Armagh’s amazing ‘Living with a
Star’ exhibition, and more! Discover Science and Engineering is the
official sponsor of this nationwide event and will provide the contest
prizes.
A special thanks is also extended to the SAC for their valued
role in helping to organise Birr Castle’s debut event for Science
Week. Birr Castle Demesne and all of the participating exhibitors are
proud to offer this event for FREE to all primary and secondary school
groups. It is essential that all schools book their free visit in
advance, by contacting Birr Castle Demesne at (057) 91 20336. Only a few
spaces are left, so urgency is encouraged.

7/11/2007
Birr Camogie Notes
It was our U-18's who had a game on Sunday morning in Crinkle against
St. Rynagh's. Victory would place them in the 'A' semi-final and
defeat would place them in the 'B' final against Kinnitty.
This turned out to be a great game of camogie. Great credit to
both clubs for having their girls in such good form so late in the
year. Birr were without three of their first team players due to
illness and injury but those who replaced them played very well.
It was end to end play early on as both teams missed scoring
chances. Birr opened the scoring with a goal by Michelle Nagle after
some good work by Megan Parsons and Kelly Ann Milne. Orlagh Kirwan
picked off two lovely points from play after Julie Stephens gave lovely
passes. Megan Parsons added a point and Orlagh Kirwan pointed a free.
St. Rynagh's then got a goal just before half time when Birr failed to
clear their lines. At half time it was Birr 1-4, St. Rynagh's 1-0.
It took both teams a while to settle and two points were picked
off before Birr goaled again. After a great solo by Kady McKenna. Orla
Masterson doubled an unstoppable shot to the net. St. Rynagh's got
two easy goals before Kady McKenna pointed two frees, but St. Rynagh's
finished the stronger and the final score ended Birr 2-6, St. Rynagh's
4-5.
Well done to both teams and management on their team's displays.
Birr now play Kinnitty in the U-18 'B' Final which is fixed for
Sunday, 11th November at 1.30pm in Clareen. All support will be greatly
appreciated. It has been a long year for these girls who have trained
all year since last January. They love playing camogie and it would be a
great reward to come away with a victory at the end of the year, so
hopefully they will finish on a good note to best of luck to them all.
Team: Shauna Carroll, Angela Ryan, Grace Ryan, Sarah Pilkington,
Kelly Ann Milne, Kate Ryan, Gillian Molloy, Kady McKenna, Mairead
Dooley, Orla Masterson, Julie Stephens, Michelle Nagle, Orlagh Kirwan,
Jane McCarthy, Megan Parsons.
Subs: Emily Quinlan (for Jane McCarthy); Caroline Soupe (for Angela
Ryan); Dearbhaile Sheils; Jane Ryan, Rebecca Hoctor, Siobhan Rogers.
The Club would like to extend sympathy to Emily Quinlan, Fortal
on the recent death of her mother.

7/11/2007
Mixed Fortunes For Birr RFC Youth Teams
Under 16; Birr 14 Mullingar 32
Birr under 16’s suffered their first defeat in the Leinster
League on Saturday last when they hosted Mullingar. Birr were keeping
pace with Mullingar up to half time with tries by Niall Maher and Colm
McEvoy, both expertly converted by Pat Camon leaving them just three
points in arrears at the break.
Just after half time an intercept on the half way line gave
Mullingar a soft score and put some daylight between themselves and
Birr. To their credit Birr tried hard to the end. The Birr forwards
caused problems with their pick and go tactics, with Damien Gormley,
Niall Maher, David Dooley and Mark Guinan all making valuable ground.
David Horan put in a solid performance at scrum half. Birr managed to
cross the opposition line twice but on both occasions the referee was
unsighted. The final score was Birr 14 Mullingar 32.
Birr team: Kevin Murray; Colm McEvoy, Kealan Moran, Peter Kelly,
Dillion Hansbury; Pat Camon, David Horan; Reuben Noyce, Mark Guinan,
Damien Gormley, Dean Bracken, David Dooley, Colm Flynn, Liam Grimes,
Niall Maher. Replacements all used: Gearoid De Cleir, Donal Spain, Gavin
Guilfoyle.
The next match is on Saturday next in Tallaght. Other Leinster
League fixtures for the under 16’s are Athboy at home on 17th
November, Longford away on 24th November, Suttonions away on 1st
December, Ratoath at home on 8th December.
Under 14
On Saturday last Birr U-14’s were at home to Mullingar in their
second game of the Midland League. Both sides had won their first match
so it was all to play for. From the start Birr were under fierce
pressure however Mullingar failed to convert two penalties and a try
saving tackle in the corner by Peter Dooley prevented a certain try.
After this Birr’s performance began to improve. A great break by Sean
T O’Connor resulted in a scrum. Peter Dooley broke off the back of the
scrum and put in Maurice Guinan for a well worked try leaving the score
at half time 5-0.
Birr then dominated most of the second half with a great
individual try by Sean T O’Connor making the score 10-0. Cathal Hogan
capped off a good performance with a try making the final score 15-0
Birr now have to travel to Mullingar next Saturday as the Midland
League is played on a home and away basis, and no doubt this will be a
tough encounter
The Birr Panel: Sean T. O'Connor Isaac Smith, Michael Kennedy,
Ronan Murphy, Gary Drought, Conor Fitzgerald, Graham Lynch, Peter
Dooley, Maurice Guinan, Kevin O'Connor, Thomas Bailey, Mark Pardy, David
Kearns, Billy Connors, Cathal Hogan, Jack Kennedy, Padraig O’Brien,
Luke Wells, Martin Byrne, Aaron Grimes.

7/11/2007
Good Results For Birr Schoolgirls
U-12 Girls: Mullingar Eagles 1 Birr Town 3
The Birr girls kept up their unbeaten run in Mullingar on
Saturday to keep them at the top of the table. A goal from Kayleigh
Sheils in the first half and two from Leona Tyrell in the second capped
a fine performance from the team all round.
Team: E. Hart, G. King, M. Monaghan, S. Garland, R. Harding, E.
Byrne, S. Byrne, L. Madden, K. Shiels, L. Tyrrell, J. Mahon, K. Byrne.
L. Keigher, M. Lavin, M. Bruce, M. Sheils.
Manager - L. Byrne.
U-14 Girls: Killavilla 1 Birr Town 3
Birr's U-14 girls got their first win of the season in a
thrilling encounter at Killavilla. Two beautiful goals from Emma
Maloney and one from captain Sonia Dunican brought the three points home
for Birr. Chanice Lynskey and Nadia Feehan had great chances, one was
just wide, the other a great save by the keeper. Aislinn King in goals
was outstanding as were Jasmine Patel in midfield and Aoife Cashen in
the right back position. Players of the match were Emma Maloney and
Aislinn King.
Team: Aislinn King, Chanice Lynskey, Jessica Spain, Aoife Cashen,
Sinead Garland, Triona Nolan, Sonia Dunican, Emma Maloney, Jasmine
Patel, Nadia Feehan, Laura Keigher.
Manager - Dawn Lagace.

1/11/2007
Birr Family Break World Record In Dublin Marathon
The O'Donoghue family from Birr broke the world record on Monday last
when they became the largest family to complete a marathon.
The 15 siblings (nine brothers and six sisters) took part in the
Dublin City marathon which began at 9.00am on Monday last in Nassau
Street and finished after 26 gruelling miles in Fitzwilliam Square.
The Midland Tribune spoke to the O'Donoghue siblings on Tuesday
morning as they were returning to Birr in a Kearns' bus.
Ruth O'Donoghue told the Tribune that the previous world record
in the Guinness Book of World Records for the largest family to complete
a marathon was 12 and the O'Donoghues have gone three better.
She said the family have thus far raised €40,000 which will go
to Down Syndrome Ireland and the bank account is still open so people
can still make a contribution. Ruth said the family hopes to reach €50,000.
She said that Down Syndrome Ireland is a charity that is very close to
the family's hearts as their nephew Mark was born with Down Syndrome two
years ago. Lucozade Sport also sponsored the family.
The first member of the family to cross the finish line in
Fitzwilliam Square was Cronan who is 33 years of age (the 15 members are
aged between 33 and 52) and lives in Birr. Cronan completed the marathon
in a very respectable 4 hours and 15 minutes.
Next across was Robert (who lives in Kinnitty) in a time of 4
hours 20 minutes and Noel (who resides in California) in 4 hours 30
minutes.
Robert said that the words to Thin Lizzy's 'Do anything you want
to' blared over his MP3 player as he raced towards the finishing line.
The last member of the O'Donoghue family crossed the finishing
line in a time of 6 hours and 26 minutes. The O'Donoghues had to
complete the race in under eight hours in order to break the world
record.
'A group of seven of us kept together throughout the whole
marathon,' said Ruth, 'and we walked the race.' (Whilst several of the
family walked the marathon a number of them also ran throughout the
whole event). 'We finished in a time of 6 hours 20 minutes.'
'11,000 people competed in the event and there were lots of
spectators. There were many Birr people who were spectating and cheering
us on. We were being given sweets and drinks during the race to power us
on.
'Afterwards we went to a pub in Ballsbridge and Mundy met us
there, where he entertained us by playing his guitar and singing
songs.'
If you would like to donate to Down Syndrome Ireland then contact
the Bank of Ireland in Birr. The Account Number is 78329199. Sort Code:
90-16-77.

1/11/2007
Enright Quizzes Minister On FAS Progress
Laois/Offaly Deputy, Olwyn Enright, TD, has once again sought a progress
update on the decentralisation of FAS to Birr from the Minister for
Trade, Enterprise and Employment in the Dail last week.
Raising the matter with the Minister during question time, Deputy
Enright asked the progress to date on the decentralisation, the number
currently working in the Birr office, the duration of the lease and when
planning permission for the purchase of the site is lodged.
The Minister told the local Deputy that there was a total of 20
staff currently working in the Birr Technology Centre with a further 40
anticipated to be located in Birr by the end of the year and their
current location was rented on a five year lease.
Having been informed that the planning application had not yet
been received by Birr Town Council, the Minister told Deputy Enright
that they were currently preparing the design for the project.
The Deputy once again asked if the Minister was in fact confident
the staffing levels will be reached and questioned how he intended to
persuade them to come to Birr.
'We were all delighted when the news was announced the FAS
headquarters was set to re-locate in Birr. However, here we are several
years down the road and only twenty staff are now working in the town
and there appears to be little in the way of concrete evidence that the
full 383 staff will come to the town,' she said.
When Deputy Enright asked Minister Cullen how he would persuade
these public servants, as opposed to civil servants to come to Birr, he
gave a vague and non committal response.
Deputy Enright stressed that she will continue to demand progress
reports from the Minister and FÁS on the matter to ensure that the
planning application is put in with the relevant planning authority as
soon as possible and that the full contingent of staff is brought to
Birr as promised.

1/11/2007
Enjoyable Comhaltas Concert In Birr
The eagerly awaited visit by the 'Echoes of Erin' tour group to Birr
took place on Thursday night last. The concert lived up to its advance
billing and was thoroughly appreciated by an almost capacity audience.
At the Birr Theatre and Arts Centre the exceptionally talented group of
musicians, singers and dancers gave a varied performance, incorporating
all that's best in Irish traditional entertainment.
Old Irish tunes, songs and dances were mingled with more recently
composed pieces and the variety of the items along with the versatility
of the performers made for a most interesting programme.
The show was devised and produced by Siobhán Ní Chonarain, a
native of Limerick who currently works as a Projects Officer at
Comhaltas Headquarters. She drew on her extensive knowledge of
traditional music to explain the context of the various pieces, all of
which she researched specially for the concert. An excellent group of
five dancers led by Aidan McLoughlin from County Leitrim provided a
selection of solo and figure dances in the traditional and modern idiom.
The organising committee would like to thank all who supported
the event: the management and staff of the theatre, the County Arms
Hotel and the Maltings as well as all the sponsors for their support and
also the Midland Tribune for their assistance in promoting the event.
The official sponsors of the tour nationwide are Bus Eireann and Foras
na Gaeilge.

1/11/2007
Offaly Secures New Entry In Top Guide
Georgina Campbell, author of Ireland’s most comprehensive hospitality
guide, announced that Offaly has increased its guide entry with Spinners
Townhouse, Birr, earning a coveted place in the 2008 edition. The Guide
has over 1,250 recommendations and more than 150 new recommendations
this year alone.
The new entrants were chosen from a wide range of categories:
hotels, restaurants, cafés, pubs, country houses, guest houses and farm
houses, with choices for all occasions and budgets. The standard of
judging is very high with each selection made on merit alone. Each year
Georgina and her husband – backed up by an expert panel – trawl
every county in Ireland to find the best places for recommendation in
the Guide.
Georgina Campbell’s Ireland – The Guide is the country’s
most famous and comprehensive independent guide to the tourism and
hospitality industry in Ireland. Dubbed the ‘glove box’ bible, the
Guide is celebrating ten years of recommendations this year and is a
must for independent travellers. Unlike most other guides, there is no
charge for recommendations in any of the Georgina Campbell guide books
and, establishments cannot pay their way into the guides.
Commenting on the new entrants, Georgina said; 'During the last
ten years of the Guide we have seen a huge improvement in standards and
choice within the Irish food and hospitality sector. The quality and
diversity of what Ireland has to offer the traveller is at an all-time
high. With so many new wonderful and deserving establishments around the
country, it is getting more difficult each year to decide who we should
include in the Guide. I am happy to say that we are truly spoilt for
choice.'
The tenth edition of Gerogina Campbell’s Ireland – The Guide
is available from the 26th October, at all good bookshops around the
country, price €20.00, and on-line from www.ireland-guide.com (p&p
free)

1/11/2007
Birr News Digest
Hullabaloo! Offaly’s Children’s Arts Festival
Workshops and performances throughout the mid-term break at Birr
Theatre & Arts Centre and numerous venues throughout the town. For
full details see www.birrtheatre.com or contact (057) 9122911. The
Festival runs from October 30th to November 2nd.
Traditional Night At Birr Theatre
Tommy Peoples, Steve Cooney & Mary McPartlan on Sunday 4th
November, 8p.m. Tickets available on (057) 9122911. Funded by
The Arts Council Touring Experiment Traditional Music Tour 2007.
Social Dancing
Social dancing in Rath Community Hall on Thursday November 1st.
Music by Peter Burke.
Birr Leisure Centre
Class Studio Activities starting Monday 5th November.
Monday 5th November; Beginners Spinning Class 1.00p.m.-1.30p.m. =
30 mins.
Monday 5th November; Advanced Spinning Class 8.00p.m.-8.45p.m. =
45 mins.
Tuesday 6th November; Body Conditioning 7.00p.m.-8.00p.m.
Tuesday 6th November; Boxerscise 8.15p.m.-9.15p.m.
Wednesday 7th November; Advanced Spinning 8.00p.m.-8.45p.m.
Thursday 8th November; Beginners Spinning 7.00p.m.-7.30p.m.
Teen-Gym; Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday,
4.30p.m.-5.30p.m. Age 12-15 years (Supervised). €5.00 per session.
Spinning Classes €48.00 for six classes, max 10 people.
Body conditioning and Boxerscise €48.00 for six classes, max
eight people.
Booking is essential on (057) 91 20343.
Rambles In Eireann
Sunday 4th November. Meet at 2p.m. at the church in Mountbolus
for a walk around the area which will include Rathrobin and Killoughey,
and will be led by Ronnie Bryant.
Dates for your diary: On Friday 16th November there will be a
Table Quiz at Enroute, Fivealley, starting at 9p.m. Tables €20 each.
The Ramblers annual Christmas dinner/party will be held on 22nd
December, also in Enroute. Details later.
Contact Noel Quegan on 9133128 or Ben Oakley on 9122141 if a lift
to a Rambler event is needed or preferred. Visit www.ramblesineirinn.org
Wilmer Tennis Club
The Division 2 team won the Midland League title with a 3-2
victory over Abbeyleix in the final in Nenagh on Thursday night. It was
another close battle with the singles being shared and Wilmer winning
the mixed to take a 2-1 lead into the mens and ladies doubles. The
ladies came from 8-3 down to level at 8-8 to take their match into the
tie breaker but they lost that and the match was tied 2-2.
Simultaneously on the next court the men were having a great battle in
their match but they came from behind to win 9-6 and ensure a third
league title came to the Wilmer this year. Afterwards the Eugene Garvey
trophy was presented to the Birr Captain Chris Collins. His colleagues
on the night were Michael Costello, Claire Nee and Csilla Varga.
The club championships will conclude this week. The ladies
doubles final was played on Friday night and it went to three sets
before Amanda Luttrell and Margaret Feeney clinched victory over
Kathleen Pardy and Michelle Tierney. The singles competitions are both
taking place next week with the finals on Friday night which is also the
presentation night for all championships. The singles finals are due to
start at 8p.m. and the presentations will take place afterwards.
The next social tennis night will be held on Friday november 9th
Social Dancing
There will be social dancing in the County Arms Hotel, Birr on
Tuesday next November 6th.
Bible Talks
Bible talks are being held in Birr Resource Centre (Londis
Carpark) every Sunday 7.30p.m.-8.30p.m. Meetings are free and non
denominational. All are welcome.
Offaly Arts & Crafts Association
Offaly Arts & Crafts Association Winter Fair will be held in
the Bridge House, Tullamore on Sunday November 11th from 11a.m. to 6p.m.
Crafts, art and food.
Community Support For Older People
Applications are now invited from Community and Voluntary Groups
for funding under the 2007 Scheme of Community Support for Older People.
This scheme aims to improve the security and social support of
vulnerable older people in their homes by providing grants for:
Window locks; door locks and door chains designed to
strengthen points of entry to the dwelling; security lighting; the once
off cost of installing socially monitored alarm systems; smoke alarms.
Voluntary or Community based Organisations working with or
providing support for older people can apply to participate under this
scheme. Birr Neighbourhood Watch have received funding in previous years
under similar schemes and intend to apply again this year.
Persons living within Birr Urban District wishing to avail of
such assistance should apply as soon as possible, stating their
requirements and supplying such information as is required by the
Department. It should be noted that the lower age limit for applicants
is 65 years of age. Those with younger people residing in the premises
do not qualify.
Applications to: Michael Hough (087) 6870713; Rosaleen Harding
(087) 642 7506; Dympna Mackintosh (057) 91 22274.
Please note completed forms must be returned as soon as possible
to any of the above.
Gardening Evening With A Difference
Ballyegan Gardening Club will meet on Wednesday November 14th at
8p.m. in Ballyegan Hall for an informal evening with lots of 'hands on'
participation to help prepare for a great Christmas.
'Christmas Cards for a Gardening Friend' - Joyce Wharton, with
great expertise, will demonstrate how to make your own special Christmas
cards.
They will also have a plant sale so everyone please remember to
bring your plants, shrubs or any garden produce.
Christmas logs will be available to decorate on the night. A
wonderful raffle is promised with lots of prizes sponsored locally. To
wind down the evening, a glass of mulled wine will be served with cheese
and crackers.
An eventful evening is sure to be enjoyed by all. Members and non
members very welcome.
Birr Garden Club
Birr Garden Club will meet in Dooly's Hotel on Tuesday 6th
November at 8p.m. Guest speaker will be Olive Lynch. All welcome.
Birr Resource Centre
Birr Resource Centre is a community facility, providing
affordable meeting space for community and voluntary groups. There
is a free administration service available to local groups.
This year once again they are a collection point for the Shoe
boxes for Operation Christmas Child the last date for the boxes to be
here is 9th November.
Thank you to everyone who helped with and supported their
Telethon Day.
For more details please phone Mary on (057) 9121912 or call in.
The office is open Monday to Thursday from 9.30a.m.-1.30p.m. and Friday
9.30a.m.-1.00p.m.
Book Club
The next book club meeting will be held on Monday 12th November.
The book for this month is 'The Grave Tattoo' by Val McDermid (chosen by
Lisa). New members welcome. Enquiries (057) 91 39028.
Birr Citizens Information Centre
Birr Citizens Information Centre now has the newly published
guide 'Entitlements for the Over 60s'. This guide was published in
September and has lots of advice and guidance. Office Hours: Monday to
Friday 10a.m. to 2p.m. Telephone (057) 91 21017.
GROW
A Grow Group meets each week in Birr. If you are someone who
experienced depression or anxiety attacks or who is simply in need of
company do come along. You will have an opportunity to meet others,
share your problems in confidence, get support and make new friends. All
are welcome. No fees. Meetings take place in the Community Health
Centre, The Convent, Wilmer Road, Birr at 7.30p.m.every Tuesday. For
further information please contact Assumpta on (086) 8114135 or (057)
9351124.
Website: www.grow.ie Infoline: 1890 474 474.
Dochas
The Offaly Cancer Support Group is based at Teach Dóchas, Offaly
St., Tullamore. They offer support to people living with cancer and
their families and carers. Opening hours: Monday to Friday 10a.m to
2p.m. Telephone (057) 93 28268 email: dochasoffaly@eircom.net.
Farmers Vegetable Market
Farmers Vegetable Market will be in the Marian Hall Car Park
every Saturday between 10a.m.-5p.m. (Advert)
Medical Herbalist
Emmett Walsh, M.IIMH, M.NIMH, MSc (Herb Med), P.G.Dip (Herb
Med),. B.Arg.Sc. (Hons) Clinic at Roscore, Blueball, Tullamore. Tel:
(087) 2613042 or (057) 93 55844 by appointment only. Clinic at O'Meara's
Pharmacy, The Square Birr on Wednesdays. (Advert)
Table Quiz
There will be a table quiz in the Community Hall, Lorrha, on
Friday 9th November at 8p.m. Tables: Adults €20 and children
(primary school age) €10. 'Fun for all ages.' Raffle &
refreshments during the interval. Proceeds to the parishes of
Lorrha, Dorrha and Lockeen and all are welcome. Your support will be
much appreciated.
Birr Stage Guild AGM
Birr Stage Guild are holding their AGM on Friday 9th November in
Dooly's Hotel at 8p.m. All are welcome. Do come along and bring a
friend!
Four Seasons Gardening Club
An event takes place on Sunday, November 4th next in the
Community Centre in Kilcormac from 11a.m.-4p.m. There will be a cake
sale, bric-a-brac, plant sale, crafts, a raffle as well as other items,
and a cup of tea in the centre. All proceeds go to the Offaly branch of
the Kidney Association. Anyone with bric-a-brac contact Eileen at 91
35152. Everyone welcome.
Youth Work
The SUB Project is a youth development project recently
established in Birr. It is a community partnership funded by the
Department of Justice administered through the local Gardai, and managed
by Foroige, a leading national youth development organisation. The aim
of the project is to enable young people to involve themselves
consciously and actively in their own development and in the development
of society.
The launch of the project is on Monday, 5th November at 7p.m. If
interested please attend.
Marian Hall Notes
Bingo; The jackpot on Friday night last was not won. The
jackpot this Friday night is €3,000 on 48 calls with a top game of €300
if not won. Calling as usual is at 8.30pm sharp.
Progressive 25 Drive; Four pairs shared top prize on Sunday night
with 10 games. They were Joe Cantwell and Peter Darcy, Tom Carroll and
Pat Tumulty, Tim Hough and Jarlath Tobin, Jack Maher and Kieran Melaney.
The last game went to Kieran Guinan and Frank Mulvey while the table
prize was won by Pat Egan and Pat Loonam. Raffle prize winners were
Patsy Lynch, Tim Carey and Tony Butler. Cards continue on Sunday night
at 9p.m. sharp with a jackpot of €100 on 14 games.
Birr Town Soccer Lotto
The numbers drawn in the Birr Town lotto this week were 4, 5, 15,
22 and bonus 21. No winner of the Jackpot. One lucky match three winner
of €200 - Lena Murphy High St. Next week's Jackpot is €17,000 with
€3,000 extra on the bonus number. Draw in Kelly's of the Green. Thank
for your support.
Birr Methodist Church
'In Humble prayer and fervent praise' - A 300th Anniversary
Celebration of the life and music of Charles Wesley, preacher and hymn
writer. Guest speaker: Rev. D. L. Cooney. Music by Birr Choral Society.
Admission free. All welcome. Friday November 2nd at 8p.m. Methodist
Church, Emmet. St.
Homemade Brown Bread
Helen Grogan, Home made brown bread market will be in the Marian
Hall Car Park every Saturday between 10a.m. -5p.m.
St. Brendan's RC Church
1st November, Feast of All Saints (Thursday). Mass Times: Vigil
(Wednesday) at 7.30p.m. (Carrig), 8.30a.m., 10.30a.m., 12 noon and
7.30p.m. 2nd November All Souls - 7.30a.m., 10a.m., 7.30p.m. (Carrig).
The Mass at 1.05p.m. commences on Monday 5th November.
Dates For Your Diary - Saturday 4th November - Blessing of
Graves, Clonoghill 3p.m., Carrig after 9.30a.m. Mass.
Saturday 17th November - Annual Mass for Deceased at 11a.m.
November 26th/27th/28th - Parish Triduum.
April 19th 2008 - First Communion Killeen NS. and St. Brendan's
Boys NS.
April 26th - First Communion Crinkill NS and Mercy NS.
May 17th 2008 Confirmation.
Birr Mart
Bullocks: 1 ch 465kgs €790, 1aa 770kgs €1,020, 2 ch 445kgs
€775, 1 her 500kgs €855, 1 lim 450kgs €800, 2 fr 375kgs €540, 1
lim 410kgs €770, 2 ch 438kgs €785, 2 ch 543kgs €840, 1 ch 385kgs
€675, 1 ch 740kgs €1,120, 1 sim 705kgs €1,045. Heifers: 1 sim
570kgs €930, 2 ch 570kgs €885, 4 lim 385kgs €660, 5 ch 289kgs €500,
1 lim 600kgs €1,000, 1 sim 530kgs €825, 1ch 495kgs €805, 1aa
550kgs €865, 4 ch 573kgs €900, 1 ch 650kgs €975, 2 ch 653kgs €965,
4 sim 415kgs €645. Dry Cows: 1 lim 670kgs €810, 1 sim 675kgs €685,
1 aa 630kgs €730, 1 sim 615kgs €630.
Sheep Sale on Thursday 25th October. Lambs: €25 to €32 over a
kg. Cull Ewes: €26 to €52 per head. Breeding Ewes: €65 to €95
per head.
Sunrise Inn Golf Society
Sunrise Inn Golf Society would like to extend their deepest
sympathy to Phil Stapleton and family on the recent loss of their mother
(Margaret). May she rest in peace.
Camcor Bridge Club
Results: First nett, Paddy and Jackie McGovern; Gross, Mary Kelly
and Ita Cavanagh; 2nd nett, Ann Hough and Frieda Tierney.

1/11/2007
Midland Schools Invited To Science Week At Birr Castle
Primary and secondary students will be ‘Surrounded by Science’ on
13th and 14th November as Birr Castle Demesne and Ireland’s Historic
Science Centre celebrates Ireland’s National Science Week 2007.
The Science Centre will host a series of interactive exhibitions
allowing students to experience hands-on fun in a variety of exciting
scientific fields. Representatives from distinguished Universities in
Ireland and other scientific entities will be present, including the
Shannonside Astronomy Club (SAC), which has played a leading role in
helping to organise this debut event.
Activities will include indoor stargazing with a constellation
spotting contest, fun with telescopes, digging for meteorites, and much
more! Discover Science and Engineering is the official sponsor for
Ireland’s Science Week, and will provide the contest prizes.
Birr Castle Demesne and all of the participating exhibitors are
proud to offer this event for FREE to all primary and secondary school
groups. It is essential that all schools book their free visit in
advance, by contacting Birr Castle Demesne at (057) 91 20336, and spaces
are expected to fill up quickly.

1/11/2007
Rynagh's Withstand Second Half Birr Rally To Regain Minor Title
Cavanagh Foundry Offaly MHC 'A' Final: St Rynagh's 0-10 Birr 0-8
St Rynagh's withstood a determined second half comeback by Birr to
regain the Offaly Minor Hurling title following a closely fought final
at Shinrone on Saturday last.
St Rynagh's, who last won the title in 2005, now join Birr at the
top of the roll of honour with 18 titles and they will relish this title
as it was hard won in a tight game that went right down to the wire.
The winners were quickest out of the blocks and although they
conceded the first point, they scored the next five points before Birr
scored again near the end of the first half. St Rynagh's went on to lead
by 0-6 to 0-2 at the interval and were good value for that lead.
Birr began to get on top after the interval and slowly began to
haul themselves back into the game. They levelled midway through the
half and took the lead with 11 minutes left. St Rynagh's hadn't scored
in the second half up to that point but suddenly they sprung to life and
three points in just over two minutes swung the momentum back in their
favour.
Rynagh's were reduced to 14 men with seven minutes left when
Dermot Gath received a second yellow card and Birr continued to press
late in the game but they failed to convert their possession into
scores. The St Rynagh's defence did tremendous work to repel them time
and time again and their efforts were rewarded when Carthage Buckley's
final whistle signalled that they were champions again.
Playing in their fourth final in succession, St Rynagh's were
quick to settle into the game. They had the advantage of the wind in
that half and Stephen Wynne's long range free taking enabled them to
build up a three point lead after just 11 minutes. Rynagh's were
dominating around the middle of the field and on their half back line
and Birr were struggling to get any decent ball into their forward line.
Both sets of defences were playing well and scoring chances were
limited. The game went through a 10 minute spell in the middle of the
first half when neither side managed to raise a flag and the hurling was
very competitive, with a great battle for every ball.
St Rynagh's definitely had the better of the exchanges in that
first half and Birr needed to improve considerably after the break if
they were going to pull this one out of the fire.
Gradually Birr did begin to get on top after the break but it
took then some time before they began to find the range. They hit far
too many wides and ended up with a tally of 14 compared to just five for
their opponents and that in itself tells its own tale about the outcome.
It took a lot of effort from Birr to get in front and just when
they did Rynagh's hit back instantly with three quick points to snatch
the momentum away from them again. Still Birr had plenty of time and
possession to turn the game around but they started going for goals
instead of picking off their points. They had a number of frees and
'65's in the closing minutes which provided opportunities for points
which could have levelled or won the game but they opted to drop them in
to try and engineer a goal but the Rynagh's defence was having none of
it. They battled like tigers and ensured nothing was getting through.
Their tight marking, blocking and hassling meant Birr had no clearcut
shot at goals and St Rynagh's were able to keep their efforts out.
St Rynagh's did well to come back in the second half when the
game seemed to be slipping away from them. Birr had got on top at
midfield and particularly the half back line and that meant that plenty
of ball was delivered into the Birr forward line. The St Rynagh's
forwards had very little possession but an inspirational point by
Stephen Wynne brought them level and he quickly put them in front from a
free. Centre back James Sullivan then came forward to score another fine
point and their tails were up again.
Birr's best chance of a goal came when Michael Mulrooney, who had
switched from goalkeeper to full forward line, managed a flick a long
ball from Barry Harding past Declan Kelly but James Sullivan got back to
take the ball off the line at the expense of a '65' which Birr wasted.
Stephen Wynne started the game at full back but spent stints of
the game at midfield as well and was influential in both positions.
James Sullivan, Stephen Flannery and Joe White also hurled well in their
defence. They lost Gary Conneely to injury very early in the game but
Kevin Lynch did well in the middle of the field while in attack Dermot
Gath, Conor Duffy and Odhran McIntyre carried most threat.
For Birr Donal Ryan had a good game at full back while the half
back line of James Roddy, Barry Harding and Cormac Pardy played very
well. John Corrigan had a good second half at midfield while in attack
Ger Teehan, Tomas Bolger and Alan Maher fought hard.
Birr were first to score when Ger Teehan collected a clearance
from Cormac Pardy and went up the right before shooting a good point. St
Rynagh's levelled after five minutes when Albert Rice pointed a free and
they went in front a minute later when Dermot Gath took a pass from
Willie Hernon and pointed. Stephen Wynne stretched the lead when
pointing a '65' and a free from inside his own 65m line and after 11
minutes it was 0-4 to 0-1.
Aaron Whelahan was off target with two long range frees for Birr
as they attempted to cut the lead and 10 minutes elapsed without a score
before Stephen Wynne pointed another free from inside his own half.
Birr had gone 25 minutes without a score before Tomas Bolger
pointed three minutes before half time. Initially he had a cross shot
saved by Declan Kelly and the Birr forwards all missed the rebound. The
ball eventually came back to Bolger on the right and he pointed. Conor
Duffy replied with a well taken point for Rynagh's and that left them
0-6 to 0-2 in front at half time.
It took Birr just 13 seconds to score after the restart when Ger
Teehan and Emmet Fanneran combined to set up Tomas Bolger. They had
further wides before Craig Shortt took a good low pass from Alan Maher
after eight minutes and raised another white flag. Barry Harding, who
took over the free taking duties in the second half, then pointed two
frees in the 11th and 15th minutes to bring the sides level.
Four minutes later they edged in front when Aaron Whelahan won
the ball after a Tomas Bolger sideline cut and sent it over the bar.
St Rynagh's hit back instantly and Stephen Wynne completed a good
team move involving about five players with a fine point from the left.
He put his side back in front from a free before centre back James
Sullivan came forward to fire over another point after 22 minutes. A
minute later they were reduced to 14 men when Dermot Gath, who had been
booked in the first half, received a second yellow card. At the same
time Birr moved goalkeeper Michael Mulrooney into attack.
Barry Harding reduced the gap to a point from a '65' but Odhran
McIntyre was on target for Rynagh's to restore their two point lead with
three minutes left. James Sullivan took the ball off the line from
Michael Mulrooney's flick and Birr piled on the pressure but St Rynagh's
held out and celebrated their 18th Offaly Minor title.
ST RYNAGH'S: Declan Kelly; Dermot Shortt, Stephen Wynne (0-5, 0-3
frees, 0-1 '65'), Stephen Flannery; Joe White, James Sullivan (0-1), Pat
Camon; Kevin Lynch, Gary Conneely; Dermot Gath (0-1), Jerome Flannery,
Conor Duffy (0-1); Albert Rice (0-1, free), Willie Hernon, Odhran
McIntyre (0-1). Subs. Damien McLoughlin (for Gary Conneely, inj. 9 mins),
Paul Looby (for Damien McLoughlin, 52 mins), Liam Dolan (for Albert
Rice, 56 mins).
BIRR: Michael Mulrooney; Daniel O'Meara, Donal Ryan, John
McIntyre; James Roddy, Barry Harding (0-3, 0-2 frees, 0-1 '65'), Cormac
Pardy; Aaron Whelahan (0-1), John Corrigan; Oisin O'Carroll, Emmet
Fanneran, Craig Shortt (0-1); Ger Teehan (0-1), Alan Maher, Tomas Bolger
(0-2). Subs. Alan Guinan (for Emmet Fanneran, 38 mins), Daryll Nolan
(for Oisin O'Carroll, 53 mins).
REFEREE: Carthage Buckley (Clara).

1/11/2007
Golfing In The Glenns
The Glenns Trophy
Congratulations to the Birr Ladies who came through to claim the
Glenns trophy from a field of thirty teams from across the country. This
year’s competition had to be postponed due to bad weather but
fortunately Wednesday proved much more favourable. The team consisting
of Mona Collins, Kathleen Doorley, Aileen Watkins and Ann McIntyre won
over Mullingar with 10 shots to spare.
For Your Diary
Monday October 29th to Sunday November 4th; 9H Turkeys. Holes 10,
11, 12, 8, 9, 1, 2, 3, 4.
Thursday 1st November; 9.00a.m. Juniors. 18h and 9h.
Thursday 1st November; 10.30a.m. Seniors.
Saturday November 3rd/Sunday November 4th; 16h Hamper sponsored
by Brosna Press. (omit 5th and 6th )
Tuesday november 6th; 10.30a.m. Bridge in Clubhouse. Contact:
Mary O’Gorman.
Wednesday November 14th; 8.00p.m. Mass for deceased members.
Saturday December 2nd; 7.30p.m. Captains’ Dinner in the
Clubhouse.
Friday November 16th; 8.00p.m. Ladies AGM.
Sunday November 18th; 4.00p.m. Men’s AGM.
Sunday December 2nd; 4.00p.m. Management AGM.
Results
Hamper sponsored by Seniors. 1st John Carroll (14) 40 pts, 2nd
Eddie Nevin (13) 40 pts, Gross: Capt. Billy Donlon (2) 36 pts, 3rd
Bernie Kennedy (130 40 pts.
Seniors. 1st John Carroll, John Gilmartin and Fergal Boland, 2nd
Arthur Joyce, Tony Guilfoyle and Seamas Coakley.
Juniors
Juniors please note that there is a Hallowe’en competition on
Thursday November 1st. Captains Simon and Niamh would like to see a big
turnout for this, the last Junior competition of the year.
New Ground
Members are asked to respect the various notices regarding the
newly seeded areas. All competitions now start on the 10th with the 5th
and 6th omitted. The order of play is: 10, 11, 12 ,8, 9, 1 to 4, 7th
(old Tee) and 13th to the finish. Members should also note that
both Nenagh and Tullamore Golf Clubs have offered our players green fees
at half the normal rates until our development is finished. Birr members
are extremely grateful for such generous offers.
Ladies’ Golf
1st, Birr team of Aileen Watkins and Ann Mc Intyre, Mona Collins
and Kathleen Doorley - 87pts 2nd Mullingar: Carmel Maher and Ber
Chambers. P. Collier and B. Tormey 77pts, 39 on back 9. 3rd Borris: F.
Long and Margaret Geoghegan, E. Tobin and A. Farrell with 77pts, 38 on
back 9. 4th Moate E. White and M. Egan, B. Fox and V. Burgoyne 77pts, 36
on back 9 from Edenderry with 32 on back 9.
1st pair Edenderry C. Hynan, G. Foran with 41 points, 2nd Pair Nenagh M.
Hogan and M. Meaney 40 points from Gort also 40 pts J. Collins and M
Brennan.
18H hamper sponsored by J.J. Hogan. 1st Liz Pardy 44 points; 2nd
June Carroll 42 pts; 3rd Kay Kelly 41 points from Margaret Murphy.
9H results, 2 best cards: 1st Liz Pardy 47 points; 2nd Therese Kennedy
42 points; 3rd Liz Nolan 42 points.
1st Turkey competition: 12 H Stroke starting Monday October 29th. Draws
at 10a.m. and 2p.m. Use time sheet at weekends.

1/11/2007
Birr Town FC
U-10's
Birr Town U-10's recorded their first win of the season with a
comfortable win over Banagher on Saturday week last. Banagher
played some good football but went one down when Luke Fox collected a
great pass from Joe Corboy and slotted it to the bottom right of the
net. Luke Fox went on to score a hat-trick with a very impressive game.
Stefan Shalloe also got on the scoresheet with a fabulous volley from
twenty yards. Then to finish the day Joe Corboy scored a well taken
goal.
Birr Team: Keelan O'Brien; Conor Lavin, Alex Sarin, Shane
Donovan, Stefan Shalloe (captain), Rian Dempsey, Eoin Cahill, Luke Fox,
Joe Corboy, Joe Curran, Oran Kelly, Dermot Sheils.

25/10/2007
Plans To Host Garden Show In Birr Castle
It was revealed during the recent meeting of Birr Chamber of Commerce
that there are plans afoot to host a Garden Show in Birr Castle at some
stage in the future.
It is envisaged that this will be a big event with some even
dreaming of it becoming Ireland's version of the Chelsea Flower Show.
The Chelsea Flower Show is held each year on five days in May by
the Royal Horticultural Society in the grounds of the Royal Hospital
Chelsea in London. It is the most famous such show in the United Kingdom
and is part of London's summer social season.
The event receives a great deal of publicity and is attended by
157,000 visitors each year.
Popular parts of the Chelsea Flower Show include the flower
arranging and the show gardens.
New plants are often launched at the show and the popularity of
older varieties revived under the focus of the horticultural world. It
is the garden design equivalent of a catwalk at a fashion show.
Birr Castle Demesne would obviously be an ideal venue for such a
large event as the Demesne is a beautiful garden itself and also covers
a large area.
Lord Rosse and garden designer Angela Jupe visited France last
weekend to see a garden show there. This show takes place twice a year
in May and October in Courson Castle not far from Paris. Lord Rosse was
seeking inspiration for the proposed garden show in Birr Castle and will
be reporting back to Meithil na mBiorra about his Courson visit.
Cllr Seán Doorley, Chairman of Meithil na mBiorra, commented
that Lord Rosse is very enthusiastic about a garden show in Birr Castle
but obviously there is nothing definite about the show and it is still
at the conceptual stage.
In other business during last Wednesday evening's Chamber meeting
held in Birr Technology Centre, Greg Smith, Treasurer, said the Chamber
has a healthy bank balance and is in the black to the tune of €12,000s.
Nigel Craughwell, President, said the website Birrnet.com is back
up and running, adding that membership of the Chamber is €20 per annum
and membership letters will be posted during the beginning of 2008.
He commented that if everyone pays for their advertisement on
Birrnet.com then it will be an annual income of €15,000 per annum
which would be a wonderful boost for the Chamber. 'A lot of expats all
over the world are regularly looking at Birr net.
'We have been talking to other Chambers in the region and there
will be a network of all these Chambers on Monday the 22nd of October
next in Tullamore Court Hotel. The idea is to get in contact with our
counterparts and see what we can do to drive the Midlands area.'
He said he had been approached by the Gardaí about CCTV 'and I
would like to hear your opinions on this. Personally, I think CCTV in
Birr would be a very good idea and it would be housed in the Garda
Station. There is a lot of petty crime going on in the town at the
moment. CCTV in Tullamore has been a very positive experience.' A member
said that on the whole most businesses in Birr would be for CCTV.
A short presentation was given by two employees of Baker Tilly
Ryan Glennon. Baker Tilly Ryan Glennon is an accountancy practice which
is operating in Birr Technology Centre on Brendan Street. Susan O'Neill
of the practice said the firm opened in the Technology Centre on the 1st
of January 2005 and has a total of 13 staff.
She talked to the members about 'Self Assessment: Tax Return' and
the deadline for this is the 31st of October next. This is relevant for
anyone who is outside the PAYE system. She also talked about 'The
Interaction between tax payments & Pension top up.'
Cllr Seán Doorley also talked to the members about Meithil. He
said that Meithil na mBiorra is a descendent of Birr Civic Trust and is
a tourist group focussing on Birr. Meithil means 'working party.'
'35,000 visitors come to Birr Castle every year and we feel that
more of them could be enticed to dally longer in Birr. Many of the
visitors immediately leave the town after visiting the castle.
'We also want to bring back the National Balloon Championships to
the town, which were such a success here a few years ago.
'We also want to attract more visitors here during the
off-season, during the winter.
'One problem is each year Birr Vintage Week is clashing with the
Tullamore Show and unfortunately this problem just can't be sorted out.'
Cllr Tony McLoughlin pointed out that there is a plan to
construct ten eco-houses in Cadamstown, which he warmly welcomed.
He added that people in Birr can now enjoy a two mile walk from
Springfield Bridge on the Birr / Kinnitty road. This walk follows the
Camcor River for two miles heading away from Birr and has been opened up
by the ESB. 'If it were to be completed in the other direction as far as
the Nursing Unit,' remarked the Councillor, 'then that would make for a
walk of four or five miles.'
Mr Craughwell commented that in conjunction with Shannon
Development the Chamber will be bringing out a new promotional booklet
on Birr. 'We are going to print 8,000 copies and it will be very
informative covering a wide spectrum including business and tourism.'
Cllr Michael Loughnane congratulated the Chamber officers for
'having plenty of lolly in the kitty.' He suggested that this be used to
erect more Christmas lights than in previous years!
Cllr Doorley said he was glad to see a young and enthusiastic
man, Denis Duggan, had now filled the Shannon Development role in the
town, a role that had been left vacant since the departure of Michael
McMahon.
Cllr McLoughlin said that the new FAS officer Lorraine Danaher is
also very enthusiastic.
Cllr Doorley remarked that the road signage in the town 'leaves a
lot to be desired.' Cllr Denis Sheils agreed: 'From a Tidy Towns point
of view the signs are a total disaster in Birr. They don't look well,
considering we are a heritage town, and there are too many of them.'
Eddie Enright pointed out that many people in the town are
grumbling about the broadband installation which is presently ongoing
and is causing traffic disruption in the town. He added that the traffic
lights have been out of action now for several weeks which is not
acceptable and that the pedestrian crossing at the Emmet Square / Emmet
Street junction is very dangerous. The other members agreed pointing out
that the crossing is blind for drivers.
Jacky Hynes, Secretary, pointed out that if business people do
not have an advertisement in Birrnet.com then they are missing an
opportunity. 'Rates are extremely keen ranging from €20 for a Business
Directory listing to €80 for a full page advertisement or €160 for a
Banner Advertisement on the Homepage.'
There are plenty of other advertisement types and price options
to choose from. People can submit their advertisement indicating their
preferred option to webmaster@birrnet.com and forward their subscription
to the Treasurer Greg Smith, Smiths Menswear, Green Street, Birr.

25/10/2007
Grant & Cleary Get 'Offaly Good' Send Off to Entrepreneur Final
Offaly’s leading entrepreneurs Stephen Grant and Gerard Cleary, both
finalists in the Ernst & Young Entrepreneur of Year competition,
addressed a gathering of over seventy of Offaly business people in Birr
Technology Centre on Thursday last.
The event which was organised by Shannon Development was aimed at
local businesses and companies operating in the County. Denis Duggan of
Shannon Development said that 'It was a great opportunity for Offaly
entrepreneurs, business owners, company managers and the general public
to hear the fascinating stories of our leading businessmen. Both Stephen
Grant and Gerard Cleary have been recognised by Ernst & Young in
this year’s Entrepreneur of the Year Awards. In Shannon Development,
we are delighted that such a large gathering of business people came to
hear both Stephen & Gerard tell of their experiences in
business. We wish them both the very best of luck in the Ernst
& Young Entrepreneur of the Year final on Thursday.'
Stephen Grant is the founder of Grant Engineering Ireland Limited
which he started in 1977 near Birr, County Offaly to design, manufacture
and supply a wide range of efficient heating products. From an initial
factory size of 1500sq ft with 20 employees and manufacturing the Twin
Pass Back Boiler for domestic use, the company’s product range and
output has grown to require a 75,000sq ft factory facility in Crinkle
and now employs 200 in Ireland and 60 in the UK. Grant Engineering has
an annual turnover of €40million. The Company has recently expanded
and now includes solar panels and a variety of boiler types.
Gerard Cleary leads Glenisk Dairies based in Killeigh, Tullamore
which is Ireland’s largest organic fresh dairy products. Established
in 1987 by Cleary’s father John, he inherited the business in 1995 and
within a year, in response to the demands of a growing market, developed
it into a fully organic business. The company has built a strong
reputation of providing a range of healthy dairy products throughout
Ireland including; organic milk, goat’s milk and yogurts. In 2006
Glenisk teamed with Stonyfield Europe, co-owned by US based Stonyfield
Farm and Paris based Danone Group. The business agreement has expanded
their distribution chain to Tesco, Sainsbury and Wholefoods stores in
the UK. The company employs 35 staff.
The Ernst & Young Entrepreneur of the Year final takes place
in City West Hotel on Thursday evening, October 25th. The Awards final
will be televised on RTE 1 at 10.45p.m. on Thursday night.

25/10/2007
Councillor Welcomes Improved Water Supply
The improved water supply for the residents Roscrea Road and Rock Lane
has been completed ahead of schedule. The contractors were Stenkill
Engineering, Galway and the cost of the project was €150,000.
Welcoming the news, Cllr Tony McLoughlin said that 'in 2005
residents highlighted to me that there was a problem with the water
pressure and no water hydros for fire service emergencies on the Roscrea
Rock Land. It was essential both of those problems were addressed,
particularly with the Airfield located in this area. '
'After long deliberations the contract has been signed for the
new water supply for residents in the Mile Tree area. The contractor
Mooney Brothers Kiltormer Galway will commence shortly and the cost is
€450,000. Work was scheduled to commence in 2006,' he said.
'Funding had been granted for the first phase of the new water
supply. Unfortunately the design Company hired by the Mile Tree
residents didn't submit design for all route work resulting in the money
being carried forward to 2007. This resulted in the project being
completed in 2007. The 50 houses located in the Mile Tree area should
have the new supply for Christmas.
'The 4th and final phase of the new Rath water supply costing €44,000
will commence shortly. Laying piping will commence shortly in
Boolinarrig, Clondallow and Broughal. The total cost of the new supply
was €2,000,000.
'It is also planned that Birr, Kinnitty, Kilcormac will have
piping installed to provide emergency services if required. The quality
of the water source is excellent the Springfield well can pump and one
million gallons a day. The pumping station for the water souce is at
Cragh.
'It is appropriate to highlight the input of Mick Spain Westgate,
Birr on two counts: Being from Drumcullen he was aware of the existence
of the water supply at Springfield, Rath. Mick instigated the purchase
of the land from Coillte for Offaly County Council resulting in one of
the largest sources of water supply in the country particularly the
quality of the water. It would be impossible to put a price on the value
of the water supply. It would run into treble digits of million, Mick
was working for Offaly County Council when the land was purchased.
' Mick and the Water Committee have supervised the 100km of
piping. A mammoth task for a local group. Well done to all, Dublin Co.
Co. would love to have the one million gallons of water pumped daily
from Springfield,' said Cllr McLoughlin.

25/10/2007
Birr News Digest
Multi Purpose Youth Facility
A meeting will be held on Thursday 25th October at 8p.m. in the
West Offaly Partnership Offices, Bridge Street Birr (Old E.S.B. Office)
to explore the possibility of providing a multi purpose youth facility
in Birr. They would welcome anyone with an interest in this project
(parents or anyone involved in youth activities) to the meeting. If you
would like any further information then please contact, Adrian Haines or
M.J. Grogan, at (086) 1020306.
.
Wilmer Tennis Club
The Division 2 team has qualified for the Midland League final
following an impressive 5-0 victory over Roscrea on Thursday night last.
They will meet Abbeyleix in the final in Nenagh on this Thursday night,
October 25th, and all support welcome.
The club championships are progressing well. The men's doubles
final was played on Sunday last and Brian Hogan and Michael Costello
claimed the title with victory over John Lynch and John O'Callaghan. The
ladies doubles competition will be completed this week and the singles
competitions will both take place next week, culminating in the finals
and presentation night on Friday November 2nd in the clubhouse.
The next social tennis night will be held on Friday november 9th
Social Dancing
There will be social dancing in the County Arms Hotel, Birr on
Tuesday next October 30th with music by Catherine & Images.
Bible Talks
Bible talks are being held in Birr Resource Centre (Londis
Carpark) every Sunday 7.30p.m.-8.30p.m. Meetings are free and non
denominational. All are welcome.
Offaly Arts & Crafts Association
Offaly Arts & Crafts Association Winter Fair will be held in
the Bridge House, Tullamore on Sunday November 11th from 11a.m. to 6p.m.
Crafts, art and food.
Parent & Toddler Group
Birr Parent & Toddler Group will not be running on Tuesday,
30th October next.
Community Support For Older People
Applications are now invited from Community and Voluntary Groups
for funding under the 2007 Scheme of Community Support for Older People.
This scheme aims to improve the security and social support of
vulnerable older people in their homes by providing grants for:
Window locks; door locks and door chains designed to
strengthen points of entry to the dwelling; security lighting; the once
off cost of installing socially monitored alarm systems; smoke alarms.
Voluntary or Community based Organisations working with or
providing support for older people can apply to participate under this
scheme. Birr Neighbourhood Watch have received funding in previous years
under similar schemes and intend to apply again this year.
Persons living within Birr Urban District wishing to avail of
such assistance should apply as soon as possible, stating their
requirements and supplying such information as is required by the
Department. It should be noted that the lower age limit for applicants
is 65 years of age. Those with younger people residing in the premises
do not qualify.
Applications to: Michael Hough (087) 6870713; Rosaleen Harding
(087) 642 7506; Dympna Mackintosh (057) 91 22274.
Please note completed forms must be returned as soon as possible
to any of the above.
Gardening Evening With A Difference
Ballyegan Gardening Club will meet on Wednesday November 14th at
8p.m. in Ballyegan Hall for an informal evening with lots of 'hands on'
participation to help prepare for a great Christmas.
'Christmas Cards for a Gardening Friend' - Joyce Wharton, with
great expertise, will demonstrate how to make your own special Christmas
cards.
They will also have a plant sale so everyone please remember to
bring your plants, shrubs or any garden produce.
Christmas logs will be available to decorate on the night. A
wonderful raffle is promised with lots of prizes sponsored locally. To
wind down the evening, a glass of mulled wine will be served with cheese
and crackers.
An eventful evening is sure to be enjoyed by all. Members and non
members very welcome.
Social Tea Dance
Social Tea Dance in Carrig Community Hall, Birr on Thursday
October 25th. Dancing 9.30p.m. to 12.30a.m. Music by Glen Flynn.
Four Seasons Gardening Club
Four Seasons Gardening Club would like to thank everybody for
coming last Monday night and thank Declan Costello for his talk. The
next meeting will be on November 4th in Kilcormac Community Centre after
11a.m. Mass and will be a Bring & Buy' with flowers, cakes and other
displays. Anyone who wants to donate anything please contact Eileen Daly
on 9135152 or any other member of the Garden Club. All proceeds raised
will go to the Kidney Association.
Fancy Dress Party
Fancy Dress Party being held in William Lyons Pub, Banagher, on
28th October in aid of Telethon. €5.00 Entry plus Raffle on the night.
All proceeds to People in Need. Volunteers would be greatly appreciated
together with Sponsorship. Please contact Corrinne on (087) 9586465.
Carrig Riverstown & Killeen Active Retirement Group
Carrig Riverstown & Killeen Active Retirement Group's next
meeting will be in Carrig Community Hall on Monday 29th October at
7.30p.m. Bowling every Thursday evening at 6.30p.m. New members welcome.
Carrig & Riverstown Ladies Club
Carrig & Riverstown Ladies Club would like to take this
opportunity to express their sincere thanks to everyone who supported
our recent coffee evening in aid of North Tipp Hospice with such
generosity. The total collected was €420. A big thanks also to Shane
Hollywood who donated our lovely floral raffle prizes.
Birr Social Club
Teams snooker tournament in aid of the Community Nursing Unit
(sponsored by Buckley's Super Valu Main St, Birr). Last week's result:
John Rylands bt Brian Guinan's 3-2 with John beating Brian in the
decider, and Eugene Sullivans bt Barry Whelahans 3-2 with Pat Corrigan
beating Aaron Whelahan in the decider. This week's fixtures - Wednesday
24th Simon Whelahan v Gardai; Friday 26th Derek Kelly v Social Club;
Saturday 27th Miley Nolan v Pat Dunphy. Congratulations to the Birr
Senior Hurling Team on retaining the Sean Robbins Cup.
Sunrise Golf Society
Sunrise Golf Society had a good turnout last Saturday for our
President's (Mark Daly) prize in Portarlington. Congrats to the
following M. Carter 38 pts; P. Mellsop 37 pts; M. Spain 35 pts; J.
McKeown 33 pts; K. Mitchell 33pts; J. O'Rourke 32 pts. The visitors
prize - J. Errity - 33pts. Many thanks to J. McKeown and Ray Leonard (Romaquip)
for their kind sponsorship of the above prizes.
Print Factory's New Office
The Print Factory has opened an office at No 21 Main Street, Birr
(near Super Valu). They hope to make their printing, signmaking and
website services more accessible to the people of the town and the
surrounding area. Look out for a feature in next week's issue. Tel no
for the new premises is (057) 91 20083. www.printfactory.ie.
Terrier Found
Found in Westgate Area, Birr, a small brown & white male
terrier, well cared for. Wearing collar, no tag. Please phone Christine
(086) 1907055.
Birr Mart
Bullocks: 1 ch 655 €970 Euros, 1 lim 665 €995, 2 lim 488 €800,
2 her 483 €745, 3 her 440 €680, 1 ch 605 €1,000, 2 lim 430 €720,
1 sim 445 €755, 1 her 730 €1,045, 1 sim 495 €800. Heifers: 5 ch
530 €800, 2 ch 443 €720, 3 lim 403 €645, 5 ch 392 €600, 1 sim
615 €995, 1 sim 530 €160, 2 lim 538 €845, 1 ch 410 €730, 1 ch
660 €1,035, 2 lim 370 €620, 1 lim 585 €940, 1 ch 600 €920. Dry
Cows: 1 fr 700 €675, 1 ch 625 €575, 1 aa 725 €795.
Sheep sale on Thursday 18th October: Lambs: €28 to €35 over a
kg. Cull Ewes: €31 to €48 per head. Breeding Ewes: €59 to €105
per head.
Please note: Cattle sale as usual next Monday 29th of October
(Bank Holiday Monday).
Birr Garden Club
Birr Garden Club will meet in Dooly's Hotel on Tuesday 6th
November at 8p.m. All welcome.
Rambles In Eireann
Sunday 4th November at 2p.m. meet at the church Mountbolus for a
walk around the area which will include Rathrobin and Killoughey and
will be led by Ronnie Bryant. Dates for your diary: On Friday 16th
November there will be a Table Quiz at the En Route, Fivealley, starting
at 9p.m. Tables €20 each.
The Ramblers annual Christmas dinner/party will be on 22nd
December also at the En Route. Details later.
Twenty six people went on the Clara walk on 7th October. Clara
was a creation of the industrial revolution with the mill employing over
eleben hundred in the 19th century. Many thanks to Mary Fitzsimon for
her historical notes and to Edel Molloy Pey for the organisation.
The O'Donoghue clan want to thank the Ramblers for the generous
donation towards the family's participation in the Marathon on 29th
October. This is in aid of the Down Syndrome Society.
Contact Noel Queegan on 91 33128 or Ben Oakley on 91 22141 if a
lift to a Ramblers event is needed or preferred. Visit:
www.ramblesineirinn.org.
Marian Hall Notes
Bingo: The jackpot on Friday night was not won. The jackpot this
Friday is €3,000 on 48 calls with a top game of €300 if not won.
Calling at 8.30pm sharp.
Progressive 25 Drive; Top prize on Sunday night last and jackpot
winners were Rodge Molloy and Michael Stephens on 14 games
congratulations. Two pairs had 11 games in 2nd spot, Pat Heenan and Jack
Kennedy, Eugene and Peggy Martin. The last game went to James Gallogly
and Stephen Lonergan while the table prize was won by Chrissie Hogan and
Ena Loughnaen. Raffle prize winners were Stephen Lonergan, Liam Shanahan
and Tony Butler. Cards continue on Sunday night with a jackpot of €100
on 14 games.
Highfield Utd FC
Numbers drawn in this week's Highfield United Lotto were 14, 26,
28, 29. No jackpot winner or no match three winner. Five names drawn
receives €30 each. They were Gina Hehir, c/o N. Hehir, Denise Bennett,
c/o J. Hayes, Michael Burke, c/o W. Shortt, Sinead Carroll, c/o G.
Carroll, Dette Hayes, c/o Pilkingtons. Next week's draw is in the Cherry
Tree. Jackpot is €6,500.
Lorenzo Hair Design
Lorenzo Hair designs are pleased to announce that Pamela Pardy
has joined the salon as a qualified stylist. For appointment please call
(057) 91 21216.
Birr Methodist Church
This year marks the 300th anniversary of the birth of Charles
Wesley, the well known hymn writer. The church members invite all who
are interested to join them in a celebration of his life, work and music
on Friday 2nd November at 8p.m. in the Methodist Church, Emmet Street.
The speaker wil be the Rev. Dudley Cooney and the Hymn singing will be
led by the Birr Choral Society.
Camcor Bridge Club Results
First nett Tomms Nee and Ann Richie, second nett - Liz Edge and
Olive Kenny, Gross - Sadie Leonard and Maureen Hayes.
Birr Resource Centre
Birr Resource Centre is a community facility, providing
affordable meeting space for community and voluntary groups. There is a
free administration service available to local groups.
They will be hosting an event for Telethon People In Need on
Friday 26th October. Come in, have a cup of tea/coffee or soft drink and
add to their collage and make your own card to take away. Minimum
donation €5.
Also on this day they will be taking registration for Kidz Kraftz
this year. This is a drop in club for children held on a Friday evening
in Birr Resource Centre 4p.m.-6p.m. at a cost of €5 per child for each
session. Once you are registered the children can come to as many or few
as they like but they must be registered. This is an arts and crafts
club where they will be taught how to use different mediums and
recyclable items as well.
For more details please phone Mary on (057) 9121912 or call in. The
office is open Monday to Thursday from 9.30a.m.-1.30p.m. and Friday
9.30a.m.-1.00p.m.
Art
Children's art/craft classes begin again at Tin Jug Studio, Birr,
Wednesday 24th October, 4.30p.m.-6p.m. for 6-9 year olds. All materials
and refreshments included, at €42 for four weeks. Painting classes for
adults, tutored by artist Jennie Boelens, begin 7th November for six
weeks, 7.30p.m.-9.30p.m. €108, including refreshments. Learn to paint
and draw in relaxing, encouraging, calming atmosphere. Ring Rosalind for
information and bookings: (057) 91 21818/(087) 668 1783.
Fancy Dress For People In Need
Fancy Dress Party being held in Willie Lyons Pub, Banagher, on
28th October in aid of People In Need Telethon. €5.00 Entry plus
Raffle on the night. All proceeds to People in Need. Volunteers would be
greatly appreciated together with Sponsorship. Please contact Corrinne
on (087) 9586465.
Book Club
The next book club meeting will be held on Monday 12th November.
The book for this month is 'The Grave Tattoo' by Val McDermid (chosen by
Lisa). New members welcome. Enquiries (057) 91 39028.
Youth Work
The SUB Project is a youth development project recently
established in Birr. It is a community partnership funded by the
Department of Justice administered through the local gardai, and managed
by Foroige, a leading national youth development organisation. The aim
of the project is to enable young people to involve themselves
consciously and actively in their own development and in the development
of society.
They are currently seeking volunteers to assist in the long term
development of the project. If you enjoy working with young people or if
you have a skill, hobby or passion you would like to share with the
community, they would love to hear from you. Please contact the Project
Co-ordinator Hazel Fleming on (086) 3845646 for more details.
Birr Citizens Information Centre
Birr Citizens Information Centre now has the newly published
guide 'Entitlements for the Over 60s'. This guide was published in
September and has lots of advice and guidance. Office Hours: Monday to
Friday 10a.m. to 2p.m. Telephone (057) 91 21017.
GROW
A Grow Group meets each week in Birr. If you are someone who
experienced depression or anxiety attacks or who is simply in need of
company do come along. You will have an opportunity to meet others,
share your problems in confidence, get support and make new friends. All
are welcome. No fees. Meetings take place in the Community Health Centre,
The Convent, Wilmer Road, Birr at 7.30p.m. every Tuesday. For further
information please contact Ruairi on (087) 2510965 or (057) 9351124.
Website:www.grow.ie Infoline: 1890 474 474.
Dochas
The Offaly Cancer Support Group is based at Teach Dóchas, Offaly
St., Tullamore. They offer support to people living with cancer and
their families and carers. Opening hours: Monday to Friday 10a.m to
2p.m. Telephone 05793 28268 email: dochasoffaly@eircom.net.
Farmers Vegetable Market
Farmers Vegetable Market will be in the Marian Hall Car Park
every Saturday between 10a.m.-5p.m. (Advert)
Medical Herbalist
Emmett Walsh, M.IIMH, M.NIMH, MSc (Herb Med), P.G.Dip (Herb
Med),. B.Arg.Sc. (Hons) Clinic at Roscore, Blueball, Tullamore. Tel:
(087) 2613042 or (057) 93 55844 by appointment only. Clinic at O'Meara's
Pharmacy, The Square Birr on Wednesdays. (Advert)

25/10/2007
Offaly Drama Project Scores Again With 'Cat Among The Pigeons'
Buddy was one of those characters for whom if something could go wrong
it did go wrong. Try as he might to put things right or get himself out
of one situation, than he landed himself in a worse position. One minute
he is about to sign a marriage contract to wed a respectable young lady,
the next he is locked outside his hotel room on the landing wearing
nothing but his boxer shorts.
It was all part of Offaly Drama Project's 'Cat Among The
Pigeons', which had a successful four night run at Birr Theatre &
Arts Centre last week.
This was the third production from the Offaly Drama Project since
2003 and once again it was full of quality. The individual performers
were all excellent in their roles and that really enhanced the enjoyment
of the show.
Georges Feydeau's 'Cat Among The Pigeons' is originally a French
farce set in the late 1890s, but it was updated to the showband era of
the 1960s for this production.
Lucette is a big showband star of that era with a weakness for
good looking men. She has a particular fondness for Buddy but he goes
off and gets engaged to Vivianne. However he can't bring himself to tell
Lucette about the engagement and that leads to a series of
misunderstandings and comic situations, that are compounded by further
misunderstandings and more comic situations. It all gets a bit crazy at
times and provided plenty of laughs for the audience.
The production was the culmination of the Offaly Drama Project
2007, which is aimed and developing and harnessing the creative talents
in set design, costume, acting, directing etc of many existing groups
and individuals within the midlands area. Participants are mentored by
way of workshops and master classes in order to improve the skills base
and this training is then transferred to other local drama groups
through the participant’s knowledge. The cast and crew, who were drawn
from Edenderry, Tullamore, Nenagh, Crinkle and Birr, attended
Masterclasses given by a variety of specialists from the world of
theatre over the last number of months and the result was last week's
excellent performance.
The whole production was under the direction of Fiona Breen and
she certainly got the best out of her cast. Each member of the cast gave
a sterling performance and Fiona's guiding hand was clear to see. The
interaction between the characters was quick and on the ball, the
delivery and timing of comic lines was perfect and the overall
production made an impressive impact.
The set was simple with an open stage and a number of steel
frames, which were cleverly utilised as doors in the different scenes,
as there was effectively no change of set on the open stage. It worked
well and allowed the full use of the stage for the cast.
Updating an original text can't have been easy an easy task but
the end result was a success and brought the story to an era that would
have been more familiar to most of the audience.
The story did take a little time to get into its stride but once
it did it took off well and the map cap antics of the cast generated
plenty of laughter amongst the audience. The story did seem to end
rather abruptly and caught one on the hop, as the second half was
considerably shorter than the first.
The role of Lucette was played by Orla Healy, who really got into
the part. She displayed the sex appeal which attracted a string of
admirers and her interaction with the men in her life was excellent. It
was a beautifully acted role, really capturing the characteristics of
her character.
Brendan Fox played the role of Buddy, Lucette's favourite lover.
It was a wonderfully frenetic performance, capturing Buddy's mad
attempts to prevent Lucette from finding out he is engaged to Vivianne
and Vivianne from finding out about his relationship with Lucette. As
you can imagine in a farce like this he was doomed to failure but
Brendan's depiction of his efforts to do so was full of energy and
bedlam and it was hugely enjoyable.
Macdara Deery played a number of different roles, including Felim
and Sean, but it was his performance as Baroness Duverger, Vivianne's
mother, in which he really excelled. He got into the spirit of the role
and his wonderful acting ability came to the fore in an excellent
portrayal of the mother, who is keen to see his daughter marry Buddy.
Her daughter Vivianne was played by Paula Scott. She was very
assured and confident in her performance and her modern expressions
added to the enjoyment of the role.
General Iirrigua, one of Lucette's many ardent admirers, was
brilliantly played by Seymour Kenny. The Mexican General is determined
to win over Lucette with lavish presents and affection and Seymour's
portrayal was really enjoyable. The make up, actions and accent all
combined to make him a great comic character.
Maeve O'Donovan played Lucette's sister Geraldine and also played
the role of Fraulein. Geraldine is the plain sister who tends to get
ignored compared to the glamorous Lucette and Maeve's depiction was spot
on. Life's opportunities seem to pass her by and Maeve made full use of
the comic opportunities of the role. Fraulein in contrast as a more
stern German character and she also played that role very well.
Robert Alexander played the role of Shay, the father of Lucette's
child. It was a beautifully understated performance. Shay remains calm
while all around him seem to be losing their heads and Robert displayed
this demeanour very effectively in a very confident performance.
Boyer was character who always seemed to be in the wrong place at
the wrong time and thus got himself innocently dragged into a variety of
confusing situations. Seamus McCarthy played the role with great effect,
capturing the confusion, bewilderment and panic his character
encountered.
Una Larkin played a variety of smaller roles and did so with
great aplomb. Her excellent use of accents for the different roles,
costuming and delivery all combined to give authenticity to the parts.
The general reaction from the audience was very positive and
everyone seemed to have enjoyed a top quality performance.
Cast
Geraldine/Fraulein - Maeve O'Donovan; Felim/Baroness Duverger/Sean
- Macdara Deery; Lucette - Orla Healy; Shay/Policeman - Robert
Alexander; Buddy - Brendan Fox; Boyer - Seamus McCarthy; General Irrigua
- Seymour Kenny; Antonio/Langly/Manager - Una Larkin; Vivianne - Paula
Scott.
Production
Director - Fiona Breen; Set Design - Caelan Bristow; Set
Construction - Bill Larkin, Mags King, Joe Breen; Costume Design -
Rosalind Fanning; Costume Production - Bernie Stapleton, Rosalind
Fanning; Lighting & Sound - Lorraine Lynam, Liam Malone; Make-Up -
Lorna Doorley, Majella Kennedy; Hair and Wigs - Imelda Smith; Stage
Manager - Liz Kennedy; Back Stage - Ruth Kenny, Steven Dwyer, Marlene
Boissel; The Book - Karen Alexander; Props - Sorrel Lambton; Visual
Diary - Carolina Gustavsson.

25/10/2007
Making A Hullabaloo! Offaly’s Children’s Arts Festival Launched
Birr Theatre & Arts Centre and Offaly County Arts Office have
collaborated on a new initiative to celebrate and promote participation
in the arts with young people called Hullabaloo! Taking place during the
mid term break from October 30th to November 2nd in a variety of venues
around Birr, the festival is a mixture of participative workshops and
professional performances designed for young audiences and families.
The festival was officially launched on Saturday in a party
atmosphere in Birr Theatre and Arts Centre by Leas Caithaoirleach of
Offaly County Council Cllr. Barry Cowen. Cllr. Cowen said he was
'delighted that Offaly County Council was involved in such a positive
project which he felt sure would be a much loved and well anticipated
event in years to come'.
Offaly Arts Officer Sinead O’Reilly said, 'This festival is
about finding a place where children can trust their own imaginations
and interact with each other to create. These young people are our
future and the more opportunities they have to be imaginative now the
more they will be innovative and independent thinkers in the future.'
The festival programme features a wide variety of workshops; from
mask to puppet making and from dance to drumming there is plenty of
variety for all ages at all times. There are also a number of other
venues around the town which will host events such as storytelling in
the library, street theatre in the playground, workshops in Tin Jug and
the highlight for most children will be the monster Halloween party at
Birr Castle, where haunting begins promptly at 6p.m. on October 31st!
There are also family focussed events, such as a family drum
circle, Tumble Tots and Twinkle Toes for parents with toddlers as well
as theatre and puppet performances. Monkey Shine Theatre Company perform
Grimm Jam a deliciously wicked cocktail of sweet and slimy stories and
Noel and Eva Lambert perform Dinin and the Naughty Dog a puppet show
oozing with childlike imagination and catchy songs.
'As a child, going to a live performance was a real treat and
only an annual event for me and my friends. Today children have an
opportunity to attend the theatre on a regular basis. A festival like
Hullabaloo! is a very important tool in the building and development of
young audiences,' said Emma Nee-Haslam, Venue Manager, at the launch of
the programme.
Legitimate Bodies the new dance company based in Birr Theatre have
a line up of workshops for children from six months to 12 years, some of
the young participants will even get to perform with the dancers and
there will also be a Juggling Lunch performance where audiences will be
asked to watch out for flying cabbages! The close of the festival in
Camcor Park will see a fleet of floating candlelit boats heading down
stream to the sounds of drums, shakers and sparklers.
For a copy of the Hullabaloo programme contact (057) 9122911 or
(057) 9357400 or see www.birrtheatre.com or www.offaly.ie/arts
Most of the workshops have limited numbers so pre booking is strongly
advised to avoid disappointment, full booking details are on the
programme.

25/10/2007
Festivals At Birr Theatre
The forthcoming week sees two Festivals at Birr Theatre & Arts
Centre.
Friday 26th October to Sunday 2th8 October, Birr Stage Guild hosts
a one act drama festival.
Tuesday 30th October to Friday 2nd November: HULLABALOO! Offaly’s
Children’s Arts Festival.
Friday 26th October
8p.m. - Tungsten Theatre Group, Galway, The Wayfarer
9p.m. - Crooked Wheel Productions, Leitrim, What shall we do with
the body?
10p.m. - St. Patrick’s Dramatic Society, Glenageary, Death of a
Dummy
Saturday 27th October
8p.m. - Bradán Players Leixlip, Pillow Talk
9p.m. - Camross Drama Group, A Cliff Hanger
10p.m. - Sanity Clause Theatre Company, Kilbarrack, Dublin, The
Wooden Pear
Sunday 28th October
8p.m. - Haulbowline Theatre Group, Cork, The Little Gentleman
9p.m. - Moate Dramatic Society, Snowangel
10p.m. - La Touche Players, Sundays
Adjudicator: Garry Lombard
Tickets: €10/8. (3 night rate: €20/18. Group rates available.
Tuesday 30th October – Friday nd2 November
HULLABALOO! Offaly’s Children’s Arts Festival
Children age 4-12 will have plenty to do this mid-term break at
Offaly’s first dedicated Arts Festival for children – workshops
(clay making, mask making, puppet making, percussion circle) dance,
family events and lots more at Birr Theatre & Arts Centre and
numerous venues throughout the town. See www.birrtheatre.com for full
programme of events.
Box Office: (057) 9122911 Open Monday– Friday ~ 1p..m- 5.30p.m.

25/10/2007
Brian Whelahan Leads Birr To 21st Title With Virtuoso Display
Aidan Bracken Building Design Offaly SHC Final: Birr 0-15 Kilcormac/Killoughey
0-10
Brian Whelahan rolled back the years as he scored ten points in a
virtuoso display to lead Birr to their 21st Offaly Senior Hurling title
with a five point victory over Kilcormac/Killoughey in the final played
at O'Connor Park, Tullamore on Sunday last.
Birr's Millennium man became only the fourth captain to receive
the Sean Robbins Cup for a second time having first done so a remarkable
16 years ago and he also collected his 11th Offaly Senior hurling medal.
It was a great day for him and if ever there was an occasion of a
captain leading by example, this was it.
It was far from easy for Birr though. Kilcormac/Killoughey were
the better team for most of the first half and Birr were struggling but
the challengers, bidding for their first ever title in only their second
final, didn't build up a big enough lead when they were on top and Birr
came out rejuvenated for the second half and turned the game around.
Birr's experience was a vital ingredient on Sunday as they stuck
in the game when things weren't going for them and when they got on top
in the second half, they were able to push home their advantage. After a
good first half Kilcormac/Killoughey weren't able to maintain that
momentum after the break and their attacking opportunities weren't as
frequent as in the first half.
Birr made the better start and were 0-3 to 0-1 up after 14
minutes but Kilcormac/Killoughey then hit their best spell of the game
and over the next seven minutes they fired over five points without
reply to open up a 0-6 to 0-3 lead. They were totally dominant at that
stage and should have added to their tally but they hit some careless
wides late in the half, finishing with seven for the first 30 minutes
and a late Birr point reduced the deficit to just two points at half
time.
Birr had a point just nine seconds after the restart and while
Kilcormac/Killoughey restored their two point advantage again, Birr were
level by the fourth minute. After a further exchange of points Birr
edged in front after 11 minutes and while Kilcormac/Killoughey did level
for the fifth and last time, Birr quickly forged into a three point
lead. Kilcormac/Killoughey missed a scoreable free but cut the gap to
two points with seven minutes left as they battled to get back into the
game but that was their last score and Birr hit the final three points
to secure their 11th title since 1991.
Kilcormac/Killoughey will look back and feel this was a chance
they let slip away. Just like Shamrocks in the football final, who were
also going for their first title, they were the better team in the first
half but their challenge faded after the break. Indeed the scoring was
remarkably similar to the football final. On both occasions the winners
went 0-3 to 0-1 up early on but the challengers then hit a string of
unanswered points and the eventual champions both scored a point from a
free late in the half to keep them in the game. In the second half on
both days the winners gradually took over and it was the clubs with the
tradition and the experience who went on to win at the expense of two
clubs striving gamely to win their first titles.
When the big calls had to be made on Sunday, the Birr mentors
weren't slow to act. Just 23 minutes into the game they made a double
substitution and they made a third at half time. Manager Pat Joe
Whelahan said afterwards that they took off big names but he said those
changes had to be made and he said that was what won the game for Birr.
They introduced five subs over the course of the hour and three
of those helped Birr win the intermediate title this year. Those players
added fresh impetus to the Birr challenge as they were struggling badly
in the first half and were making little headway in the forward
line.
As well as bringing on those subs they also made some good
positional switches, particularly moving Rory Hanniffy to midfield for
the second half, as they had done in the semi-final. Brian Watkins had
come on there in the first half but he moved to his more accustomed role
of wing back and grew in stature as the game went on while Rory Hanniffy
helped wrest control of midfield from the Kilcormac/Killoughey pairing.
Kilcormac/Killoughey had settled well into the game in the first
half and midfield was one of the areas they were on top thanks to the
efforts of Eamonn Lee and Conor Mahon. Their half back line was also
dominating and this cut off the supply to the Birr forward line and
meant there was a plentiful supply of ball going into the Kilcormac/Killoughey
attack.
Their forwards were finding it hard going though against an
excellent Birr defence and while the Kilcormac/Killoughey forwards had
plenty of ball, they were unable to convert their chances into scores.
Only three of their starting forwards scored and David Gleeson was the
only one of those to score more than once from play. That was an
indication of the problems they faced in attack.
Manager John Leahy pointed out afterwards that they had got a
great return from their full forward line all year but on Sunday the
Birr backs got the better of the exchanges and that nullified a major
threat from Kilcormac/Killoughey. They did introduce Daniel Currams at
half time and made positional switches in attack but whatever
combination they tried, the Birr defence seemed to be able to cope with
them.
Birr had similar problems in their forward line with just three
of their forwards finding the mark. By the end four of their starting
forwards had been replaced, indicating the problems they were having.
Brian Whelahan's ten points matched the Kilcormac/Killoughey total with
seven of his points coming from placed balls. Two of the subs introduced
to the attack also found the mark and the changes they made in the
forwards certainly improved their attacking options as the game
progressed.
In the end Birr's experience was a telling factor. Kilcormac/Killoughey
had a fairly young side and it was a first final for most of them
against a seasoned team who had been there and done it all before. The
newcomers had their chances but when they were unable to pull away from
their opponents, Birr took advantage. They made the tough decisions that
had to be made on the sidelines and turned the situation around and when
the pressure came on Kilcormac/Killoughey were unable to find the
answers.
And when it came down to it there was no one more experienced
than Brian Whelahan. A player who has graced hurling fields up and down
the country, he came to his club's aid again with a superb performance.
He has played much of this campaign in attack and started Sunday's final
at centre half forward. His ten point tally was a great individual haul
and he also had a hand in at least two of Birr's other points. It was a
real man of the match performance.
He was strongly challenged for that accolade by Niall Claffey,
who is also revelling in a new role. He moved to full back at the
quarter final stage and has done very well since, culminating in a great
display on Sunday where he was dominant in front of the Birr
goals.
He was part of a terrific Birr full back line on Sunday with John
Paul O'Meara and Michael Verney also shining. Both made some terrific
interceptions and clearances in the latter stages when Kilcormac/Killoughey
went in search of a match saving goal.
Behind them Brian Mullins wasn't seriously tested and has
finished the championship by scoring as many goals as he has conceded.
Elsewhere in the defence Paul Cleary had a good game at centre back and
Brian Watkins did well when introduced.
At midfield Birr struggled in the first half but the switch of
Rory Hanniffy to that sector after the break made a big difference and
Barry Whelahan also came much more into the game in the latter 30
minutes.
In the forward line Brian Whelahan grabbed all the headlines
while Gary Hanniffy also had a good hour. Keith Hehir and Sean Ryan also
made good contributions when introduced.
Damien Kilmartin played very well in the Kilcormac/Killoughey
goals and was very alert throughout. In front of him Ger Healion had an
excellent game at full back, particularly in the first half when he
cleared a huge amount of ball. Brian Leonard also played very well on
the full back line while wing backs Kevin Rigney and Colm Cassidy also
impressed, particularly before the break.
Eamon Lee and Conor Mahon had the better of the midfield
exchanges in the first half but weren't as dominant thereafter while in
attack James Gorman did a lot of good work, David Gleeson played well
and Peter Healion won some good possession but overall the attack didn't
turn enough possession into scores.
Kilcormac/Killoughey won the toss and elected to play into the
road end in the first half. Birr had the early pressure but Brian
Whelahan sent a free wide while Michael Dwane had two shots blocked and
Simon Whelahan dropped another effort short to the goalkeeper.
Kilcormac/Killoughey then opened the scoring after three minutes
when a dangerous dropping ball from Eamon Lee was batted down by Brian
Mullins and David Gleeson knocked the loose ball over the bar.
At the other end Michael Dwane managed to get the ball past
Damien Kilmartin but John Grogan got back to take the ball off the line.
Birr's first score arrived after nine minutes when Brian Whelahan
collected a clearance from Paul Cleary up the left, sidestepped
his man and shot over from 50m. A minute later they were in front when
Neil Rogers' sideline cut found Brian Whelahan, who cleverly scooped the
ball outside to Gary Hanniffy and he pointed from near the right
sideline. They went 0-3 to 0-1 in front after 14 minutes when Brian
Whelahan pointed a 55m free after he had been fouled himself.
Straight from the puck out Kilcormac/Killoughey won a free for a
foul on Peter Healion and Ciaran Slevin pointed. They levelled a minute
later when Colm Cassidy pointed a free from the middle of the field
after he had been fouled himself.
They took the lead for the first time when wing back Kevin Rigney
raced up the right in the 18th minute and sent the ball over the bar and
this score really ignited the Kilcormac/Killoughey crowd. Ciaran Slevin
then came out from the full forward line to meet a low ball from Peter
Healion and he turned and sent it over the bar. Colm Cassidy then
pointed a free from inside his own 65m line and Kilcormac/Killoughey
were 0-6 to 0-3 in front.
Birr made their double substitution just after this and five
minutes before the break Brian Whelahan pointed a free after his brother
Barry was fouled. There was a moment of concern in the Kilcormac/Killoughey
goalmouth when a Barry Whelahan sideline cut floated into the square.
The ball was blocked as was Simon Whelahan's follow up and Kilcormac/Killoughey
managed to clear the danger. Both sides missed chances late in the half
and they went in at the break with Kilcormac/Killoughey leading by 0-6
to 0-4.
Just nine seconds after the restart Birr pulled a point back when
Rory Hanniffy passed to Stephen Brown and he sent the ball over. Ciaran
Slevin replied with a Kilcormac/Killoughey free but Brian Whelahan was
then on target for Birr from a free. Birr levelled after four minutes
when Michael Verney cleared to Stephen Brown and he picked out Gary
Hanniffy who shot a good point.
Kilcormac/Killoughey came back and a good move out of defence
involving Colm Cassidy, Eamonn Lee and James Gorman ended with the
latter putting his side in front again. Birr responded with two long
range frees from Brian Whelahan to take the lead for the first time
since early in the game.
The sides were level again 14 minutes into the half when Birr
lost the ball coming out of defence and David Gleeson snapped up the
chance to shoot over.
A quick burst of three points in less than two minutes then put
Birr in control. Brian Whelahan pointed a free after a foul on Sean Ryan
before Gary Hanniffy won possession and passed to Paul O'Meara and he
slotted over. Straight from the puck out Stephen Brown knocked the ball
down and played it to Brian Whelahan who sent it straight between the
posts.
Ciaran Slevin missed a free from 50m range before he provided a
pass for Eamonn Lee to shoot over and cut the gap to two with seven
minutes left. Kilcormac/Killoughey applied a lot of pressure in search
of a goal but the Birr defence held firm.
Two minutes from time Brian Whelahan restored the three point
lead with a free from his own 65m line and then with the game just
entering four minutes of injury time, Gary Hanniffy intercepted a K/K
pass and transferred the ball to Brian Whelahan who put four between
them. Brian Whelahan then delivered a good ball to Keith Hehir and he
hit another point.
Kilcormac/Killoughey's brave resistance had been broken and Birr
were able to celebrate a 21st Offaly Senior hurling title.
BIRR; Brian Mullins; John Paul O'Meara, Niall Claffey, Michael
Verney; Rory Hanniffy, Paul Cleary, Dylan Hayden; Barry Whelahan, Neil
Rogers; Gary Hanniffy (0-2), Brian Whelahan (0-10, 0-7 frees), Stephen
Brown (0-1); Paul Molloy, Michael Dwane, Simon Whelahan. Subs. Paul
O'Meara (0-1) (for Paul Molloy, 23 mins), Brian Watkins (for Neil
Rogers, 23 mins), Keith Hehir (0-1) (for Simon Whelahan, half time),
Sean Ryan (for Michael Dwane, 41 mins), Darragh Molloy (for Stephen
Brown, 62 mins).
KILCORMAC/KILLOUGHEY: Damien Kilmartin; John Grogan, Ger Healion,
Brian Leonard; Kevin Rigney (0-1), Kevin Grogan, Colm Cassidy (0-2,
frees); Eamonn Lee (0-1), Conor Mahon; James Gorman (0-1), Peter Healion,
Martin Murray; David Gleeson (0-2), Ciaran Slevin (0-3, 0-2 frees), Mark
Leonard. Subs. Daniel Currams (for Martin Murray, half time), Paul
Leonard (for Peter Healion, 54 mins).
REFEREE: Tony Carroll (Kinnitty).

25/10/2007
Brian Whelahan Captures 11th Medal With Man Of The Match Display
In a long and illustrious career, which has seen him won practically all
the major honours in the game, Brian Whelahan can have had few more
satisfying days that last Sunday's Offaly Senior Hurling Final.
Not only did he become the first Birr man to receive the Sean
Robbins Cup for a second time and win his 11th Offaly SHC medal, but he
turned in a man of the match performance with a ten point haul, three
from play and seven from frees.
It was a remarkable display from one of the greatest exponents of
the game we have ever seen but while admitting his delight afterwards,
he said the most important thing was the result and that Birr won and he
said he was very happy for the other players.
'It was all about the result today because in fairness we were
under a small bit more pressure. We were going for three in a row again
and maybe slipping a bit as other games have been suggesting. We needed
to put in a big performance and Kilcormac were under no pressure. They
were coming with a young team and they were going to throw everything at
us and they did that today,' he said.
The Birr captain was full of praise for their opponents. ''I
think they really showed today that this team, with a few more big games
under their belts, are going to be there. I see huge progress in a year
from Kilcormac from last year's semi-final. They have really come up to
the mantle. It is about holding that. It is a small bit of experience
because there were certain times in the game when they shot a bit
carelessly today. It probably cost them. If they had gone six or seven
points up we were going to get it very hard to get that back. They
missed a crucial free in the second half and that's nerves. That's
experience. I remember we played in a county final in 1990 and we did
the same thing. We missed about 10 points from frees. Someone said you
have to lose one to win one and if they make the natural progression we
could be looking up at them next year,' he said.
Brian admitted that this victory was 'very special. Obviously the
whole occasion, being out of Birr, brought a new sense of occasion to
the whole game. Kilcormac obviously being in the final was always going
to bring a big crowd and newcomers were going to have the majority of
the crowd behind them and that's fair enough,' he said.
'All year we have been limping over games. Maybe it's a sign we
are slipping or what not, but we knew there was going to be a big
challenge today and I think we battled very hard today at time and the
game looked to be slipping from us. The changes made the difference.
Obviously when you have the likes of the calibre of Sean Ryan, Keith
Hehir, who starred in the intermediate final, and you had Paul O'Meara
as well, who all made great contributions when they came in, it's a sign
that for the first time in a long time we have depth in our team,' Brian
said.
'Young Brian Watkins was thrown in at the deep end and he made a
huge contribution when he settled into it. He came in at midfield and
went back to his more favoured position at wing back in the second half
and this released Rory as well. Rory is a huge player for us. His first
contribution set up Stephen Brown at the start of the second half and
that initially was something else for Kilcormac to keep an eye on.
'But they responded well and got a free and went two points up
again. The one thing was our fulll back line was very strong, they were
phenomenal today. The moving of Claffey back to full back has given new
impetus to his game and to our back line. He has brought that physical
strength and awareness that maybe was needed. It has released Paul to do
a fair bit of hurling at centre back and he is being seen now in a
different light because his distribution and delivery is fantastic. At
times today he came out and plucked balls out of the sky. We haven't had
someone like that since Joe Errity was going that.
'I'm just delighted for everyone today. Lads were taken off today
and they were disappointed but the one thing about it is we have another
day, and another day for them to show in training and show in games that
they still have a contribution to make,' Brian said.
One of the players who was taken off was Brian's brother, Simon,
and he said the knee injury which has hampered him in recent years could
lead to the end of his career sooner rather than later. 'The way it was
looked at was there was no point using him as a sub today. if we could
get what we could get out of him and then introduce fresh legs,' he
said.
The Birr captain admitted that they were concerned at half time.
'We looked to be on fire at the start but we weren't converting. We went
in two points down and we could have maybe been six or seven points down
and that was what I was worried about. I was worried that we were
waiting for one another to do it. Hurling is a game where you have to
our out and do it. No one hands you the mantle. You have to go and grasp
it and I think in the second half they did that.
'It opened up a little bit for us in the second half which was a
big help. The puck outs just weren't dropping on their blanket defence.
Gary got on a few balls and got a free or two and we sort of outbattled
them a bit. It got a bit raggedy towards the end but in meant they were
looking for a goal and we were hitting them on the counter, Brian
said.
Now Birr have a Leinster Club campaign to look forward to. 'Birr
are not the team they were. A few years ago we had an incredible bunch.
We are trying to building something again and I just hope our young lads
realise they are now carrying the mantle. It is no longer the Joe
Erritys, Gary Cahills or Johnny and Declan Pilkingtons, these are they
guys who now have to go and carry on our tradition and I hope bit by bit
they are starting to realise that. It is great to be involved in
Leinster again. We were very disappointed after our performance in the
Leinster Final last year and I hope we do ourselves a bit more justice
than we did last year,' Brian said.
'There is a huge change in Birr at the moment, a huge transition
going on. I think were were three intermediates introduced today, the
first time in a long time, and I think that is great for hurling,' he
said.
Brian said they had a lot of people to thank for their help to
the club during the year. ' We had no field this year. We were training
in the Community School, which we were very grateful for, but they have
work going on there as well and it meant we were training on a field
that probably wasn't suited to senior hurling. Ballingarry from
neighbouring Tipperary took us out of a hole and we went out there and
training for a couple of months and also Moystown have been very good to
us over the years. Lastly when we needed to train under lights - it was
at a time where Ballinamere were hurling Birr in the intermediate and
obviously we couldn't ask them for their field, and they have been very
good to us down the years - so we went looking and Pullough came up
trumps. To be training down there for the last month has been fantastic.
To Joe Bracken and his club and his whole backroom team down there, we
couldn't say enough about them. They have been excellent. they have
looked after us very well. The field is in great nick every night we go
down and we enjoy going down there to be able to play a game of hurling
and it showed out their today,' Brian said.

25/10/2007
Birr And Rynagh's Meet To Decide Offaly Minor Hurling Title
The destination of the Offaly Minor Hurling title will be decided when
Birr and St Rynagh's meet in the final at Shinrone on Saturday afternoon
next.
The two clubs are neck at neck at the top of the Roll of Honour
with Birr on 18 and St Rynagh's one behind and hoping to join them on
that mark by winning next Saturday.
Despite being on top of the tree, both sides have had a lean
period in the minor ranks since the end of the 1980s. Birr went 14 years
without a title between 1989 and 2003 and they won the title again a
year later, their last success at this grade when they defeated St
Rynagh's in a great contest.
St Rynagh's went longer without a title and their victory in 2005
was their first since 1986. They reached the final again last year but
lost to Kilcormac/Killoughey. They avenged that defeat in this year's
semi-final and now hope to regain the crown again.
Birr won the under 16 title two years ago while St Rynagh's won
it last year and retained the title again this year. They have also won
the under 14 title this year so they are hoping to make it a great year
for the club by compelting a hattrick.
The Minor Championship is played in one group with the top four
teams then going through to the semi-finals. it ensures plenty of
hurling for everyone and the best teams advance to the knock out stages.
It is five weeks since Birr won their semi-final when they had an
easy victory over Shinrone. First half goals did the damage as Birr
built up a 4-6 to 0-2 interval lead. They were never troubled in the
second half and eventually won by 4-10 to 1-8.
St Rynagh's passage to the final was far from straightforward.
They met Kilcormac/Killoughey in their semi-final and it turned out to
be a titanic affair. The first game finished level, 2-10 to 1-13, so the
teams had to meet again last Saturday week. Once more it was another
tight affair and at the end of 60 minutes they still couldn't be
separated. Approaching the end of extra time they were still level but
St Rynagh's then snatched a winning point to advance by 4-11 to 3-13.
When these sides met early in the championship it was a low
scoring affair but Birr emerged victorious by 0-10 to 1-5. Since then
both sides have had lots of hurling and Saturday's game probably won't
be as low scoring but it could be just as close.
The five week gap between the semi-final and final probably won't
help Birr. They also had a straightforward victory in that semi-final
and weren't seriously tested.
Rynagh's have the advantage of those two games against Kilcormac/Killoughey,
while some of their side were also involved in the latter stages of the
under 16 championship. Those two semi-final games will really stand to
Rynagh's and could prove decisive on Saturday.
Rynagh's will look to the likes of Diarmuid Shortt, James
Sullivan, Stephen Wynne, Gary Conneely, Dermot Gath Odhran McIntyre,
Conor Duffy and Albert Rice to carry them through on Saturday.
Birr will be relying on Donie Ryan, James Roddy, Barry Harding,
Aaron Whelahan, Emmet Fanneran, GerTeehan, Bryan Lonergan and Tomas
Bolger.
It could be another close thing but those two games against K/K
might just give Ryangh's the edge in match sharpness.

18/10/2007
Birr Under 10's On The Double
The Birr U-10's recently completed a fantastic double by winning the
U-10 'B' Football title last Saturday in O'Connor Park, Tullamore and
the U-10 'A' Hurling title against Coolderry the previous Saturday in
Clareen. Considering that all their matches were played at away venues,
this was indeed a wonderful achievement by any standards.
The hurlers came up against a fancied Coolderry side, who had
beaten Birr well in the earlier rounds. Coolderry began well and
dominated much of the first half but Birr's defence refused to yield and
defended magnificently, soaking up a lot of pressure. Eoghan Cahill's
well taken goal left Birr a point up at half time. Coolderry started
well in the second half, dominating the early stages but Birr's blocking
and hooking and overall workrate reaped their rewards and they hung on
for a narrow victory in the end.
This was a fantastic game of hurling, with some fabulous blocking,
hooking, striking and score-taking on both sides. Well done to both sets
of players for serving up such a fine game and there is no doubt that
with players like these coming through, Offaly's future looks to be
secure.
Birr Hurling Panel: Daniel O'Meara, Cormac Kenny, Jack Regan,
Dylan Watkins, Riain Dempsey, Mark Haines, Dylan Quegan, Shane Donovan,
Cathal Kirwan, Stefan Shalloo, Eoghan Cahill (capt), Mark Nolan, Dylan
Murphy, Conor Sampson, David Mullins, Simon Moylan, Dean Cahill, Aaron
Talbot, Ben Russell, T.J. Talbot, Ryan Kelly.
The footballers took on Na Fianna in O'Connor Park, having beaten
them by one point in a very close encounter earlier in the season. This
was a great game of football, with nothing between the teams all
through. Birr were on the back foot early on as Na Fianna created a lot
of scoring chances and some first half misses possibly cost them dearly
at the finish.
But Birr were prepared to hang in there and despite going six
points behind at one stage, kept on fighting back. Again, there was
great skill, courage and graft in evidence on both sides. Well
done to all the boys on both panels and to their mentors on providing us
with such entertainment all year and thanks to all those parents who
transported and supported the boys through the season.
Birr U-10 Football Panel: Dylan Murphy, Padraig Bergin, Cormac
Kenny (capt), Dylan Watkins, Mark Haines, Jack Regan, Riain Dempsey,
Stefan Shalloo, Dylan Quegan, Eoghan Cahill, Shane Donovan, Conor
Sampson, Cathal Kirwan, Daniel O'Meara, David Mullins, Darragh
Stapleton, Simon Moylan.

18/10/2007
Birr Captain Hoping To Bridge A 16 Year Gap
Sixteen years after captaining Birr to their first Offaly Senior hurling
title in 20 years, Brian Whelahan leads the side out again on Sunday
looking to win their 21st title.
In the 16 years since that final Brian is one of 10 Birr men to
have lifted the Sean Robbins Cup, doubling the number of titles they
held prior to that 1991 final, and on Sunday he will be hoping to become
the first Birr captain to be presented with the Sean Robbins Cup for the
second time.
Brian will be playing his 14th senior final on Sunday but back in
the early 1990s the clubhad been starved of success and Brian said there
is a big change from that time. 'When I played in my first county final
in 1990 and again in 1991 we were a very young team but we came together
as a block. Maybe we were thinking straight away that it was all going
to happen for us but the Offaly championship was very competitive at
that time and a number of teams had a chance of winning. Seir Kieran,
Rynagh's and Lusmagh had won the titles the years prior to when we came
on the scene and when we won people thought we were going to be there
straight away. But that changed the next year and Rynagh's were back and
Seir Kieran came back again. Hurling was very competitive within the
county,' he said.
'We were very inexperienced but I think we learned a lot over the
years. I would like to think that the experience we gained over the
years would help us in big games and our biggest game is next
Sunday and I hope that whatever experience we have built up over the
years will count for something,' the Birr captain added.
'Obviously we're happy to be back in the final but I think there
is no hiding the fact that we were limping over most of our games this
year. We probably have used up most of our luck throughout the
championship to scrape over victories. We definitely haven't been
convincing in any of our games this year,' Brian said.
Birr's season has been of a very stop start nature with a 12 week
gap between their first and second games and a six week gap between
their group games and quarter final and Brian said that was a hindrance
but pointed out it was the same for all the teams.
'I think it is only now that I have come back to the club scene
that I can see how affected club players really are. We played a game in
May. We trained hard for that got into shape and I think everyone at the
start of the season is eager, there is great anticipation and you want
to do well. We got that game over, and performed reasonably well against
Kinnitty, but then there was a gap of three months before the next game.
It is the same for everyone.
'It is very hard to get back on track from a club point of view
when that happens. It is hard to generate the kind of enthusiasm again
that you had for the first game. It's hard to keep players fresh and to
keep training when you don't know when your next game is. That is
something that club managements and clubs have to deal with year in year
out. County players, which I was fortunate to be for quite a while,
don't see that because they are training and playing for the county team
and when they finish they go back to their clubs but don't see what the
club player has been going through, maybe no competitive hurling
throughout the Summer at what is supposed to be the best time of year
for hurling. It is very hard to play and get players keyed up again. You
might get a game out of the blue in the middle of Summer and then have
to wait six or eight weeks again for the next game,' he said.
Birr had a six week gap before their quarter Final and Brian said
'preparing for the knockout stages after such a long gap isn't a help to
a team. No matter how many practice matches you play, it is not the
same. It is something we will have to look at and maybe adopt a system
like they have in Galway where they get the group games out of the way
and then take a complete break before the knock out stages. People know
where they stand and clubs can say to players you have a two month or 10
week gap there where you can take your holidays if you want and they
stick rigidly to their timetable, whether the county team advances to
the All-Ireland or not. That is only one idea and we could look at ideas
from other counties, but we have to do something because club hurling is
suffering detrimentally across the country,' Brian said.
Birr's form hasn't been as good this year as in previous years
and Brian said it is hard to put your finger on exactly why that is so.
'Maybe we are coming to the end of our tether as regards this good run.
Every club gets to the end of a cycle. I would hope that that wouldn't
be the case. Ii don't know if guys are stale or whether it's due to the
fact that so many players had so little hurling over the summer. Before
we had so many players coming back from the county scene and they were
playing at a different level over the Summer and then coming back they
were sharp and fit and they brought the rest of the lads up to that
standard in training. That wasn't the case this year and we didn't have
as many away with the county. Maybe our standards have dropped and other
teams have caught up with us. I don't think there was one particular
reason but we didn't seem to get the bit between our teeth in the group
stages,' he said.
Birr were working off a small panel for most of the Summer
because the intermediate team was also going well and they didn't want
to take players from them. ' We only had 15 seniors to pick from for the
first game against Kinnitty and had no subs other than the
intermediates. We had the same management over both teams and they
didn't want to upset the intermediate team. That gives a sense of
security to lads who know that they are going to get hurling in the
group games while the intermediates are still involved and that can make
lads lazy as well.
'Winning the intermediate title was a big boost both to the club
and the players themselves. It was a very young team bar a couple of
players, and a lot of them have aspirations to hurl at senior level.
That was their stage and they showed that if given the chance they are
capable of taking the next step,' Brian said.
'Kilcormac/Killoughey set out their stall last year and brought
in a set up that was building towards a day when they were in a county
final, whether it was last year or this year. Last year they got to the
semi-final and they didn't do themselves justice against Birr. I think
that will help them on Sunday from the point of view it is the same set
up and they will have learned from their mistakes last year. They have
made progress already this year by getting to the final and they will
want to take that a stage further on Sunday and make it a fantastic year
for them. Every step they have taken so far since John Leahy took over
has been progress and I think the players and the people in Kilcormac/Killoughey
can see that and they are there with a 50/50 chance of winning the Sean
Robbins Cup,' the Birr man said.
He agreed that the extra games K/K have had are a benefit to
them. 'Every game you play you take something from. They saw the first
day against Kinnitty things they needed to improve on and they made the
necessary switches. To be fair they were very much in control of the
game. Their back line was on top and they were very assured and they
ended up scoring 2-23. No team has put up that this year and to do that
in a county semi-final at the business end of the year is the time to be
doing that. From a Birr point of view it is very worrying. A team
starting to strike that vein of from coming into a final you have to be
worried about. I hope they don't strike that form next Sunday. We are
going to try and make sure they don't because if they do they will be
very hard to beat.'
Although he famously won an All-Star as full forward after his
super performance when switched to the attack during the 1998 All-ireland
Final, Brian hasn't found the change from defence to attack for Birr
this year that easy.
'It has been a big change this year playing in the forward line.
I have done all my hurling in the backline and even in preparation games
this year I was in the backline as lads were away with the county and
management were trying to get the best mix of the players available to
them. It has been a big change and in fairness it has been very hard to
adapt to it. I wouldn't be as comfortable as in the backline but
management have to go with the six best defenders as they see it and at
the moment that is the way it is. I am happy to hurl anywhere for Birr
as long as I am wanted. I hope to contribute a bit more next Sunday than
over the last few games because my contribution was poor. '
'It is great to be back in a final and to get the chance to
defend our crown. I know from the players point of view that they are
looking forward to Sunday. Players want to play in big games. That is
what they train for. Definitely from our point of view, I am as nervous
as any time going out and nerves will play a big part on Sunday. I have
played in quite a few county finals and it is still a big day for the
team and club. It is a big day for Kilcormac/Killoughey as well. We will
have to up our performance from the last day to match what Kilcormac/Killoughey
did in their last outing against Kinnitty. We know if we don't we could
be surrendering our crown and we don't want to do that,' Brian said.

18/10/2007
Kilcormac/Killoughey Look For Historic First As Birr Bid For Three In A
Row
Aidan Bracken Building Design Offaly SHC Final Preview By John
O'Callaghan
Kilcormac/Killoughey will be bidding to win their first their first
Offaly Senior Hurling title when they take on reigning champions, 20
times winners Birr, at O'Connor Park, Tullamore on Sunday next (3.30p.m.
throw in).
It is the first time since Coolderry defeated Rahan in 1953 that
the final has been staged at O'Connor Park and while both teams have
already played there a couple of times this year, it will be a new
setting for the final for both of them.
While Kilcormac/Killoughey are looking for their first title as a
combination, the Offaly title has rested in Killoughey on three
occasions and this year marks the centenary of their last success in
1907. Their previous two titles came in 1896 and 1897, the first two
years that the Offaly Championship was staged.
They would see it as very fitting that they would mark the 100th
anniversary of that last title by winning the Sean Robbins Cup for the
very first time.
However Birr will have something to say about that. They are
going for a three in a row themselves and an eighth title in nine years
and that kind of experience can mean a lot on county final day.
Kilcormac/Killoughey have appeared in just one final previously,
five years ago in 2002. On that occasion they came up against the
all-conquering Birr side who were reigning All-Ireland champions and
were on route to retaining that title for a record fourth time.
While Kilcormac/Killoughey got off to a great start that day with
an early goal, Birr hit back and three first half goals helped them to a
3-4 to 1-4 interval lead. They were able to maintain their advantage
throughout the second half and while Kilcormac/Killoughey struck for a
late goal it was too little too late and Birr completed a four in a row
on a scoreline of 3-12 to 2-7.
It is interesting to look at the two teams who played that day
only five years ago. Only four of the Kilcormac/Killoughey starting line
up started their semi-final replay against Kinnitty along with two of
the subs from 2002. Out of the 20 players used in the 2002 final only
six featured in this year's semi-final which is a very big turnover of
players in a short space of time. Of the four who started in 2002, Ger
Healion and Colm Cassidy were playing in the forward line and both are
now in defence, while the other two survivors and current captain Martin
Murray and Kevin Rigney.
In contrast 12 of the 17 players Birr used in 2002 played some
part against Coolderry in their semi-final, nine of the starting line up
plus the two subs while one member of the starting 15 in 2002 came on as
a sub this year. Of the other five, two of them helped Birr win the
intermediate title this year!
That indicates the level of experience Birr have and playing in a
county final is nothing new for them. The venue may be different this
year but as a club which has played in big games in Leinster and
All-Ireland Club competitions, that shouldn't be a distraction for them.
Kilcormac/Killoughey manager John Leahy has admitted that the
build up to the game is a concern for him. He pointed out that Birr are
used to the pre-match formalities and said even little things like
walking behind the band will be new for his side and things like that
can make a difference on county final day.
Kilcormac/Killoughey are a young side and even from last year
they have made a number of changes. They exited the championship at the
semi-final stage last year, losing to Birr by five points and about six
members of that side weren't involved in this year's semi-final.
They have given youth its fling and it is beginning to pay
dividends. They have had a good run in this year's championship and with
replays in both their quarter final and semi-final they have built up
good momentum over the last six weeks or so.
Kilcormac/Killoughey made a very good start to the championship
back in May, recording big scores as they defeated Ballyskenagh and
Drumcullen comfortably. That put them on course for the knock out stages
but their next game wasn't until the end of July and they suffered a
shock defeat to Tullamore, which left their qualification hopes in
doubt, particularly as they had to face Coolderry in their final game.
Having lost to Kinnitty in the O'Connor Cup Final the week after
the Tullamore defeat, the pressure was on Kilcormac/Killoughey but they
responded magnificently and battled back from an early deficit to defeat
Coolderry by two points.
That put them through to the quarter finals where they faced St
Rynagh's and early in the second half of their game it looked as though
their championship hopes were about to end as they trailed by nine
points but they staged a terrific comeback to earn a draw and sending
the game to a replay.
Despite conceding a very early goal in the replay, Kilcormac/Killoughey
quickly took charge and led by seven points at half time before going on
to win by nine points.
Kilcormac/Killoughey were drawn to play Kinnitty in the
semi-finals and they built up a four point lead at half time. A goal ten
minutes into the second half put them seven clear and they looked well
on their way to the final. However Kinnitty hit back with two goals in a
minute and going into injury time Kilcormac/Killoughey trailed by a
point but Ciaran Slevin fired over the equaliser to send the game to a
replay.
For the first 25 minutes of the replay there was nothing between
the sides as they were level seven times. But nine points without reply
either side of half time put Kilcormac/Killoughey firmly in the driving
seat. As in the drawn game Kinnitty hit back with a goal but Kilcormac/Killoughey
weren't going to be caught on this occasion and in the final quarter
they pulled well clear to win by 2-23 to 1-11 to claim their place in
the final for only the second time.
Birr's passage to the final hasn't been as straightforward as in
previous years. Their campaign began back in May with a comfortable 13
point victory over Kinnitty but when the championship resumed at the end
of July they weren't their usual convincing selves.
Their first game back was against Seir Kieran and with five
minutes to go they trailed by three points in a low scoring game but
five points in succession, four of them remarkably from '65s', gave them
a narrow 0-11 to 0-9 win.
Two weeks later Shinrone provided the opposition in their final
group game. Once again Birr were slow to start and early in the second
half found themselves seven points down after conceding their only goal
of the campaign. Birr eventually put their game together in the final
quarter and managed to eke out a three point victory.
Another six week wait ensued before they took on Tullamore in the
quarter final. This time Birr got off to a good start and never really
looked back. They led by eight points at half time and while Tullamore
briefly threatened a revival after the break, Birr pulled away again in
the latter stages to win by 12 points.
That set up a repeat of the last three county finals betweem Birr
and Coolderry in the semi-final. It was a tight tense game for much of
the time and a first half Michael Dwane goal helped Birr to a one point
interval lead. Coolderry went two points up in the second half and were
beginning to look like victors but a Stephen Brown goal changed the
course of the game and Birr ent on to win by three points.
The advantage of playing so many games in recent weeks should
stand to Kilcormac/Killoughey. They have been able to build up a good
rhythm in recent games and the team is well settled down. They are
strong in the pivotal positions down the middle and have plenty of pace
and speed, which will trouble any defence. They have forwards who can
score and their scoring is usually well spread around not only in their
attack but from midfield as well.
Birr's season has been very stop-start with a couple of games and
then a long break and that can't have helped to maintain momentum over
the season. Pat Joe Whelehan returned as manager this year after a two
year break and they tried a few positional changes through the year. The
main move was switching Brian Whelahan to an attacking role with Dylan
Hayden lining out at half back, where he has impressed in games to date,
while in latter games Niall Claffey started at full back with Paul
Cleary at centre back.
Kilcormac/Killoughey are under the guidance of John Leahy for the
second year in succession and after bringing the side to a semi-final
last year, he has brought them one step further this year and to the
brink of a first ever senior title for the club.
Damien Kilmartin has taken over in goals from Stephen Byrne this
year and he made some great saves in the semi-final victory over
Kinnitty to show he is well worthy of his place.
The defence is a strong unit. Ger Healion and Kevin Grogan
provide a solid spine and they are flanked by good hurlers. John Grogan
and Christopher Guinan are tight and tenacious corner backs, who don't
give much away. Kevin Rigney came in on the wing for Brian Leonard in
the replayed semi-final and did a fine job while on the other side they
have the experienced Colm Cassidy, and his contribution and leadership
qualities will be vital for the team.
At midfield Eamon Lee and Conor Mahon have developed a good
partnership during the campaign. Lee is a hard working player who will
battle for everything, while Mahon is tall and strong and his ball
winning ability and driving runs forward lead to many scores not only
for himself but for team mates.
In the forward line Peter Healion has proved to be a good leader
of the attack and his strong running can trouble defences. Young James
Gorman has a great ability to pick off points from out the field, while
team captain Martin Murray is a great battler who will lead by example
with his courage and enthusiasm.
In the inside line of the attack David Gleeson is a good target
man, who can also bag a goal, while in the two corners they have two
lively forwards in Ciaran Slevin and Mark Leonard, who are more than
capable of picking off goals and points. They have strength in depth on
the bench with the threat from Daniel Currams (if an injury picked up in
last weekend's minor semi-final doesn't rule him out), along with Barry
Gorman, Aidan Bracken, Keith McConville and Jamie Flynn.
Birr have a well established team at this stage who have enjoyed
a lot of success but still seem to have the desire to add more. Long
serving goalkeeper Brian Mullins has only conceded one goal in five
games and added another string to his bow when scoring a goal himself
from a penalty in the victory over Tullamore.
Niall Claffey switched to full back for recent games and did a
good job while in John Paul O'Meara and Michael Verney they have two
tight marking corner backs, who will need to be on their toes on Sunday.
Paul Cleary has taken over at centre back in the knock out stages and
his height and strength under the dropping ball have been well utilised.
Rory Hanniffy and Dylan Hayden have featured well as wing backs,
although Rory Hanniffy made a difference when switched to midfield in
the semi-final with Neil Rogers reverting to wing back with some
success.
Rogers has been partnering Barry Whelahan at midfield but is
equally adept at wing back and it is an option Birr have for Sunday.
Barry Whelahan regularly reserves his best performances for big games
and he will fight for everything on Sunday. Paul O'Meara is another
option for the midfield berth.
In attack Birr haven't sparkled as much as usual this year. Gary
Hanniffy figured prominently in the knock out games while Simon Whelahan
had a fine game against Tullamore. Michael Dwane and Stephen Brown have
popped up with important scores at vital times, particularly the goals
in the semi-finals, while Paul Molloy, Sean Ryan and Brian Whelahan have
also made important contributions in attack.
Birr have used a small panel thus far in the championship, just
18 players, but having won the Intermediate title two weeks ago, those
players are now available to the selectors and players like Keith Hehir
and Mark Mulrooney, in attack, could come into the reckoning for
inclusion on Sunday.
Kilcormac/Killoughey won that intermediate title last year when
they beat Birr in the final thanks to a late goal and they would like to
repeat that result on Sunday. Four of the players who featured in that
success graduated to senior ranks this year and featured in their
semi-final victory and they will be hoping to continue their winning
ways in the senior final.
They also won the minor title last year with a number of Sunday's
starters involved and they have got the winning habit and that can mean
a lot going into a final.
Birr certainly have the advantage in experience and tradition and
while they certainly are a help on a big occasion like a county final
they don't necessarily win you matches. You still have to go out and do
it on the field and Birr haven't performed as clinically this year as
they have in previous years. Still they know how to win, as they showed
in the semi-final this year and also in last year's final when they had
to come from behind when they looked beaten.
Kilcormac/Killoughey had got a good momentum going over recent
games and that kind of match sharpness is a great asset. They have
played regular games and that has brought the team on and they have
built up a good understanding and rhythm. They have shown some lapses in
concentration, like letting Kinnitty back into the game in the drawn
semi-final, and that is something they will have to watch but that is
all part of the learning experience for a young team.
As well as youth, they also have big men with good ball winning
ability in key positions and they have pace in their attack which could
trouble the Birr defence. They have shown the ability to run up good
scores and when they hit a vein of form they are capable of picking off
scores quickly.
Birr are going for their eighth title in nine years and they know
how to win. All their players have been there before and have won county
finals, so they know what it is about. They have potential match winners
in all sectors and they won't be relying on one or two players to carry
the game for them. All their forwards are capable of getting scores and
their defence has been tight and given little away in matches this year.
It has all the ingredients for a good contest. Birr have looked
vulnerable this year and were lucky to win a number of their games while
Kilcormac/Killoughey have improved with each game they played. If they
continue that momentum they could be hard to stop and Birr will have to
be at their best to beat them. The champions haven't always played their
best hurling this year and if they don't produce their top form on
Sunday they could end up relinquishing their title.

18/10/2007
Birr Film Club
Birr Film Club screens Perfume (The Story of a Murderer) on Tuesday next
23rd October 8.30p.m. at Birr Theatre & Arts Centre.
A firm favourite among book clubs around the world after its
1980's release, Perfume (The Story of a Murderer) by Patrick Süskind
was for years considered to be unfilmable for obvious reasons. Yet Tom
Twyker, the director of Run Lola, Run! (1998) does manage to evoke the
fascination with smell if not quite evoking the smells themselves!
The story revolves around a young French abused orphan, Grenuille
(played ably by Ben Wishaw) who from birth was gifted with a
supernatural sense of smell. After eventually finding an apprenticeship
in the world of perfumery, Grenuille becomes obsessed with finding the
legendary 13th essential oil, the previous 12 of which are used as the
basis of creating all perfumes. Grenuille succeeds as the title informs
us and sets out to complete his own collection of this 'new' essential
oil.
Wishaw's creepy performace is aided and abetted by the sometimes
haunting score whose recurring motifs prompt our recognition of and
heighten our senses to those the main character is experiencing on
screen. Unusually, the score was created before scenes were even shot,
and was then played out loud to the actors as they went through their
motions on set - a practice approved of by Dustin Hoffman who plays
Baldini, Grenuille's mentor. The film is also another fine example of
the 'globalisation' of film production. Even though primarily a
German production (a German director with German source material), the
script is actually in English and performed by English speaking
actors.
Perfume (The Story of a Murderer) screens next Tuesday 23rd
October at 8:30pm in Birr Theatre & Arts Centre. (Please note later
time). New members are always welcome.

18/10/2007
Birr News Digest
Wilmer Tennis Club
The first of this year's club championships came to a conclusion
on Friday night last with the mixed doubles final. It proved to be a
very close contest, going all the way to three sets before Chris Collins
and Margaret Feeney claimed the title with victory over John Lynch and
Catherine Barry. Well done to all on a great final. The mens and ladies
doubles championships are now underway and those finals are scheduled to
be played on Friday week, October 26th.
The next social tennis night is on this Friday October 19th at
7.30p.m. Come along and join in the fun.
The Division 2 team had a great 5-0 away victory over Loughrea in
the Midland League last week. With the home game against Loughrea this
week, they are on course for a place in the semi-finals.
'Cat Among The Pigeons'
'Cat Among The Pigeons', a comedy play by Georges Feydeau,
a rollicking good farce, will be staged from Thursday October 18th to
Sunday October 21st at Birr Theatre & Arts Centre, Oxmantown Hall,
Birr. Curtains up 8p.m. Sharp. Tickets €18 - €15. To Book
Phone: (057) 9122911.
Funded in association with Offaly County Council and the Arts
Council.
Birr Resource Centre
Birr Resource Centre is a community facility, providing
affordable meeting space for community and voluntary groups. There is a
free administration service available to local groups.
They will be hosting an event for Telethon People In Need on
Friday 26th October. Come in, have a cup of tea/coffee or soft drink and
add to their collage and make your own card to take away. Minimum
donation €5.
Also on this day they will be taking registration for Kidz Kraftz
this year. This is a drop in club for children held on a Friday evening
in Birr Resource Centre 4p.m.-6p.m. at a cost of €5 per child for each
session. Once you are registered the children can come to as many or few
as they like but they must be registered. This is an arts and crafts
club where they will be taught how to use different mediums and
recyclable items as well.
For more details please phone Mary on (057) 9121912 or call in. The
office is open Monday to Thursday from 9.30a.m.-1.30p.m. and Friday
9.30a.m.-1.00p.m.
Art
Children's art/craft classes begin again at Tin Jug Studio, Birr,
Wednesday 24th October, 4.30p.m.-6p.m. for 6-9 year olds. All materials
and refreshments included, at €42 for four weeks. Painting classes for
adults, tutored by artist Jennie Boelens, begin 7th November for six
weeks, 7.30p.m.-9.30p.m. €108, including refreshments. Learn to paint
and draw in relaxing, encouraging, calming atmosphere. Ring Rosalind for
information and bookings: (057) 91 21818/(087) 668 1783.
Adult Social Dancing
Adult Social Dancing will take place in Shinrone Community Centre
on Saturday October 20th from 9.30p.m. to 12.30a.m. Light refreshments.
Prizes on door tickets. All welcome.
Starball Table Tennis
The Starball Table Tennis League gets underway with four
divisions at the end of October. All three player teams must be entered
by October 19th. The league is open to all players and clubs. It is very
much enjoyed for its recreation, fitness, sport and challenge, for all
ages and standards. For further information contact (086) 8684693.
Rath/Eglish Foroige
Rath/Eglish Foroige resumes on Friday October 19th at 8.30p.m. in
the Community Centre. All members are requested to attend and new
members are welcome. It is important that a parent attends with each
member as enrolment forms must be completed and €15 affiliation fee
paid.
Eglish/Rath Active Age Group
A meeting of Eglish/Rath Active Age Group will take place on this
Thursday night October 18th at 8p.m. in the Community Centre. New
members very welcome to join in exercise class, music and social half
hour.
Fancy Dress For People In Need
Fancy Dress Party being held in Willie Lyons Pub, Banagher, on
28th October in aid of People In Need Telethon. €5.00 Entry plus
Raffle on the night. All proceeds to People in Need. Volunteers would be
greatly appreciated together with Sponsorship. Please contact Corrinne
on (087) 9586465.
Mass For Polish Community
The monthly Mass for the Polish Community will be celebrated in
St Brendan's Church, Birr on Sunday next October 21st at 6.30p.m.
Free Childminder Information Booklet
Free Childminder Information Booklet available for Childminders
and those interested in Childminding. Please contact Fiona McHugh,
Childminder Advisory Officer on (057) 9328109.
Highfield Utd FC
Numbers drawn in this week's Highfield United lotto were 10, 14,
17 and 27. No Jackpot winner. Three match three winners receive €50 -
Petie Murphy, c/o Nolans; Aidan Hogan, c/o Sunrise Inn; Stephen Pardy,
c/o seller. Next week's draw will be in The Swan Bar. Jackpot €6,350.
County Final Night Disco
County Final Night Disco on Sunday night in Dooly's Hotel.
Dancing 11 till late.
Birr Town Lotto
Numbers drawn in the Birr Town AFC lotto this week were 15, 21,
27 and 30. Bonus 5. No Jackpot winner. One match three winner gets €200
- Eileen Cahill, Bulfin Park. Next week's Jackpot €17,000 with star
prize €20,000. Draw will take place in The County Arms. Thanks for all
your continued support.
Birr Methodist Church
Harvest Thanksgiving Services will be held in Birr Methodist
Church on Sunday next 21st October. The morning service will be at 12
noon and will be led by the Rev Colin Gracie, with participation by the
children. At the evening service at 7.30pm the visiting preacher will be
the Rev Dr John Parkin who was minister in Birr from 1988 to 1996.
Everybody welcome.
Birr Mart
Bullocks: 3ch 508 €830, 2 ch 468 €790, 2 her 445 €735,
1 ch 440 €770, 1 sim 455 €730, 1 sim 485 €760, 1 ch 590 €865, 1
ch 500 €820, 2 ch 515 €800, 1 ch 435 €730. Heifers: 1 ch 440 €690,
1 ch 535 €780, 2 lim 485 €740, 3 lim 390 €630, 1 her 810 €1,130,
2 lim 505 €800, 1ch 445 €720, 2 lim 453 €750, 2 her 418 €620,
1aa 730 €1,020, 3 lim 455 €725, 7 ch 474 €755. Sheep sale 11th
October: Lambs: €25 to €30 over a kg. Cull Ewes: €33 to €48 per
head. Breeding Ewes: €68 to €107 per head.
Marian Hall Notes
Bingo: The jackpot on Friday night last was not won. The jackpot
next Friday night is €3,000 on 48 calls with a top game of €300 if
not won. Calling as usual 8.30p.m. sharp.
Progressive 25 Drive: Top Prize on Sunday night was won on 12
games by Alec and Tom Kennedy. Runners up on 11 games Pat Craven and
Kieran Guinan. Consolation 10s were Tony Butler and Johnny Coughlan, D
Johnston and Bill Owens, Vincent Cordial and Michael Stephens, Joe
Gallagher and Stephen Lonergan. Last game winners were Des Foley and Pat
Smyth while the title prize went to Bertie Coleman and Tim Hough. Raffle
Prizes: E O'Halloran, Pat Smyth and Eugene O'Connor. Cards continue on
Sunday night with a jackpot of €100 on 14 games. 9p.m. sharp.
Camcor Bridge Club
1st nett M Ruttlege, Emma Loughnane. Gross Liz Edge and Ms Hough.
2nd Nett: M Dolan and M Shepherd.
Birr Active Retirement Group
Next outing Bunratty Banquet Thurs October 18th. Bus leaving
Marian Hall 3p.m. sharp.
Book Club
The next book club meeting will be held on Monday 12th November.
The book for this month is 'The Grave Tattoo' by Val McDermid (chosen by
Lisa). New members welcome. Enquiries (057) 91 39028.
Birr Social Club
Teams snooker tournament in aid of the Birr Voluntary Nursing
Unit (sponsored by Buckley's Super Valu Main St Birr). Last week's
result: Sunrise Inn beat Birr Social Club 4-1 with Seamus Lenihan
starring for the Sunrise coming from 29 down on the colours to win on
the black. This week's fixtures Wednesday 17th; J Ryland v B Guinan,
Friday 19th; Pilkingtons v Buckleys, Saturday 20th; A Sullivan v Barry
Whelahan. The committee and members offer a vote of sympathy to the
McLoughlin family on the recent death of Christy.
Ballyegan Gardening Club
The club would like to extend a big thank you to Anne Ward of
'Ward Nurseries' who gave a beautiful and colourful presentation last
Wednesday night. Anne has recently re-opened the family business and is
open to the public from Thursday to Saturday inclusive. Her garden
centre is well worth a visit.
Zandra Fashion Show
The Zandra Fashion House & Zandra 2 Fashion Show will be
taking place in Dooly's Hotel this Wednesday the 17th of October. Cheese
and wine reception 8pm. & Fashion Show starts at 8.30p.m sharp.
Proceeds go to Birr Camogie Club. Tickets €15. Hair by Cut n Curl -
Make up by La Femme Beauty Room. 10 per cent off all stock with ticket.
Youth Work
The SUB Project is a youth development project recently
established in Birr. It is a community partnership funded by the
Department of Justice administered through the local gardai, and managed
by Foroige, a leading national youth development organisation. The aim
of the project is to enable young people to involve themselves
consciously and actively in their own development and in the development
of society.
They are currently seeking volunteers to assist in the long term
development of the project. If you enjoy working with young people or if
you have a skill, hobby or passion you would like to share with the
community, they would love to hear from you. Please contact the Project
Co-ordinator Hazel Fleming on (086) 3845646 for more details.
Birr Citizens Information Centre
Birr Citizens Information Centre has the following information:
Citizens Information Books on Bereavement, published August 2007; A
parents Guide to Filtering Technologies. Understanding The benefits of
filtering to help protect your child on the net.
Office Hours: Monday to Friday 10a.m. to 2p.m. Telephone (057) 91
21017.
GROW
A Grow Group meets each week in Birr. If you are someone who
experienced depression or anxiety attacks or who is simply in need of
company do come along. You will have an opportunity to meet others,
share your problems in confidence, get support and make new friends. All
are welcome. No fees. Meetings take place in the Community Health Centre,
The Convent, Wilmer Road, Birr at 7.30p.m. every Tuesday. For further
information please contact Ruairi on (087) 2510965 or (057) 9351124.
Website:www.grow.ie Infoline: 1890 474 474.
Dochas
The Offaly Cancer Support Group is based at Teach Dóchas, Offaly
St., Tullamore. They offer support to people living with cancer and
their families and carers. Opening hours: Monday to Friday 10a.m to
2p.m. Telephone 05793 28268 email: dochasoffaly@eircom.net.
Farmers Vegetable Market
Farmers Vegetable Market will be in the Marian Hall Car Park
every Saturday between 10a.m.-5p.m. (Advert)
Medical Herbalist
Emmett Walsh, M.IIMH, M.NIMH, MSc (Herb Med), P.G.Dip (Herb
Med),. B.Arg.Sc. (Hons) Clinic at Roscore, Blueball, Tullamore. Tel:
(087) 2613042 or (057) 93 55844 by appointment only. Clinic at O'Meara's
Pharmacy, The Square Birr on Wednesdays. (Advert)
Social Dancing
There will be social dancing in the County Arms Hotel, Birr on
Tuesday next October 23rd with music by Peter Burke.
Bible Talks
Bible talks are being held in Birr Resource Centre (Londis
Carpark) every Sunday 7.30p.m.-8.30p.m. Meetings are free and non
denominational. All are welcome.

18/10/2007
Strong Line Up For Tour Concert
A group consisting of 18 musicians, singers and dancers will take to the
stage in the Birr Theatre and Arts Centre on Thursday night next, 25th
October at 8p.m. to perform in the Comhaltas 'Echoes of Erin' tour
concert organised by the Birr Branch.
The group will be headed up by producer and presenter Siobhan Ni
Chonarain from Limerick, who also plays the concert flute with the
group. She will be joined by another flute player Sean Walsh from
Enniskeen, Co. Monaghan who is also an All-Ireland whistle
champion.
The village of Templeglantine in Co. Limerick has provided many
fine musicians for Comhaltas tours and this year it is represented by
Eibhlin Healy who plays the fiddle, as also does Katie Cullen from
Newcastle, Co. Wicklow. One of the most experienced members of the
group is Ernestine Healy from Claremorris, Co. Mayo who plays the
concertina. She is a well known music teacher and lectures in UCC as
well as the annual Scoil Eigse. Every tour group boasts a harper and a
piper. The harper Cathy Potter hails from Lisburn, Co. Antrim, is an
All-Ireland champion and a member of Janet Harbison's Harp Orchestra.
The pipes are played by Jimmy Morrison from Fermoy, another Scoil Eigse
tutor.
One of our most prominent young banjo players is Brona Grahan
from Portglenone, Co. Antrim. She is taking time out from her studies
for her BA in Irish Music and Dance in the University of Limerick.
The button accordeon is always very popular at these concerts and
this group boasts of two excellent exponents of the instrument. Peter
Staunton comes from Dublin and is a prominent member of the Seisiun
group which performs at the Culturlann and also teaches music there.
John Carroll is from Effin in Co. Limerick and shot to fame when the
Allow Ceili Band, of which he is a prominent member won the All-Ireland
Senior Ceili Band title at the Fleadh in Tullamore.
A father and daughter also form part of the group. Joe Atkins
comes from Ruane in Co. Clare and is a prominent singer and reciter. He
is joined by his daughter Eimear who is an All-Ireland singing champion
as well as an accomplished fiddler and dancer.
Singer and songwriter Bruce Scott travels over from Liverpool to
take part in the tour. He has won many All-Ireland titles for newly
composed ballads and the audience can look forward to hearing him sing
one or two of his own songs.
Five very experienced dancers make up the group, Aidan McLoughlin
a champion dancer from Glenfarne, Co. Leitrim has danced with the local
seisiun show and has toured abroad with groups such as 'Celtic Rhythm
Emerald Revellers.' He is joined by two of his colleagues Laura
Croissan and Teresa Donohue as well as Hanna Longmore, a champion dancer
from Bray.
The group will be joined for the night by Offaly dancer Cathal
McGarrigle who is principal dancer with the International Bru Boru group
and will have just returned from a tour of North America.
Tickets have been circulated to all Comhaltas branches in the
area and can also be booked at the Theatre at (057) 91 22911.
This is the only stop the group will make in Offaly, East Galway
or North Tipperary and a good turnout is expected from these
areas.

18/10/2007
Does Birr Need A Squashy Couch?
Projects like The Squashy Couch in Waterford, The Gaff in Galway
and d’Cube in Ballinasloe are all examples of Youth Cafes
that are designed to provide a space for young people between the ages
of twelve and eighteen years to hang out, use computers, play games,
chat with young workers or get advice or information on a range of
topics.
d'CUBE is open after school and at the weekend for events such as
live bands, table quizzes and party nights. The cafe provides a safe and
attractive environment where young people can meet friends and just hang
out. d'CUBE is an alcohol and drug free zone and the emphasis is on
promoting positive and healthy lifestyle choices. The cafe has a pool
table, large flat screen TV, computers with internet access and tea and
coffee.
As part of a research project carried out recently by West Offaly
Partnership two key areas of need were identified in Birr firstly a
facility where 'young people have space to hang-out, play or listen to
music and access recreational facilities'. And secondly a multi
purpose youth facility that could be utilised by groups that are
involved in youth based activities.
A meeting will be held on Thursday 25th October at 8p.m. in the
West Offaly Partnership Offices, Bridge Street Birr (Old E.S.B. Office),
to explore the possibility of providing a multi purpose youth facility
in Birr. They would welcome anyone with an interest in this project
(parents or anyone involved in youth activities) to the meeting. If you
would like any further information then please contact, Adrian Haines or
M.J.Grogan, at (086) 1020306.

18/10/2007
St. Brendan's CS Students To Benefit From Credit Union Scholarship
To commemorate the 40th Anniversary of Birr Credit Union Ltd, the Board
of Directors have decided to inaugurate a bursary/scholarship for two
students of St. Brendan's Community School. A bursary will be
awarded to one male and one female student for €1,000 per year, over
four years of their course. The first bursary will be presented in
October 2008.
A ceremony was held in St. Brendan's Oratory on Wednesday evening
last, to officially launch the bursary/scholarship. Present were
Principal Mr Tom Foley, representatives of the School's Board of
Management, Parents' and Students' Councils. Mr Matt de Forge (Manager
Birr Credit Union) and officers of the CU Board of Directors. This
marked the coming together in partnership of two of the pillars of
community life in South Offaly and North Tipperary, as there is a huge
overlap in the catchment areas of both organisations. Several staff of
St. Brendan's have also contributed generously of their time to many
aspects of the Credit Union movement over the decades.
Speaking at the launch President of the Birr Credit Union Board
of Directors Mr Michael Deane said 'It was a delight and honour to
launch the initiative on behalf of the Board of Directors.' He
mentioned that the CU was a community based organisation embracing all
aspects of life among the community it serves in its common bond. As a
consequence of this fact the bursary was a way of broadening the
horizons of student members in the wise use of money. The successful
recipients will have to be active members of Birr Credit Union during
their final years of secondary schooling. Mr Deane also paid
tribute to the Secretary of their Board, Mr Jimmy McNamara, with whom he
attributed the vision of presenting the bursary.
The President also spoke of the great growth of the local Credit
Union movement which serves as a testimony to its founding members, who
took the initiative at the inaugural meeting in the Marian Hall on
January 12th, 1968.
Speaking on behalf of the school, Mr Foley expressed his thanks
for the generosity of the Credit Union towards the school, not
only on this occasion but on numerous occasions over almost over the
almost three decades of the school's life. He wished the movement
every success as it faces into its fifth decade of service to the people
of its common bond.

18/10/2007
Birr Players Put 'Cat Among The Pigeons'
What have a 1960’s show band singer, a countess, and a Mexican General
got in common? Apart from sex, jewellery and scandal, surprisingly
little, but it is all great fun in Georges Feydeau’s rollicking, side
clutchingly funny farce, 'Cat Among The Pigeons'.
Apparently all will be revealed from October 18th-21st (in more
ways than one) by the talented cast of the Offaly Drama Project’s fine
new production in the Birr Theatre and Arts Centre.
Georges Feydeau’s glorious play offers us a whirlwind picture
of inhabitants who are driven by desire and social ambition. The play is
a triumph of absurdity and laughter, a confusion of mistaken identity,
slamming doors and increasingly bad behaviour. This play originally set
in the decadent Belle Epoch era in Paris at the turn of the 19th century
has been refashioned into an evening of hilarious comedy, farce and
mayhem set against the background of the 1960’s Irish Show band era.
Why not come along and see how it all ends!!
The Offaly Drama Project 2007 binds together the skills of those
from the professional theatre world and those of local actors and drama
talent. This unique collaboration has been shaped to enhance the skills
of those directly involved and to the delight and enthral of those who
will view it in this year’s production, 'Cat among the Pigeons'.
Running: Thursday 18th to Sunday 21st October.
Venue: Birr Theatre & Arts Centre, Oxmantown Hall, Birr
Curtains Up: 8p.m. Sharp
Tickets: €18 - €15
To Book Phone: (057) 9122911
Funded in association with Offaly County Council and the Arts Council.

18/10/2007
Offaly Entrepreneurs To Address Local Businesses At Birr Technology
Centre
Offaly’s leading entrepreneurs Stephen Grant and Gerard Cleary, both
finalists in the Ernest & Young Entrepreneur of Year competition
will address a gathering of business people in Birr Technology Centre on
Thursday, October 18th at 7.30p.m.
The event which is organised by Shannon Development is aimed at
local businesses and companies operating in the County. Denis Duggan of
Shannon Development told the Midland Tribune 'this is a great
opportunity for Offaly entrepreneurs, business owners, company managers
and the general public to hear the fascinating stories of our leading
businessmen. Both Stephen Grant and Gerard Cleary have been recognised
by Ernest & Young in this year’s Entrepreneur of the Year Awards.
In Shannon Development, we are delighted that others will have the
opportunity to listen to their experiences as they tell their intriguing
stories on Thursday evening in Birr Technology Centre. It will be an
exciting opportunity for those involved in businesses, as owners,
managers or employees to meet with both Stephen and Gerard.'
Stephen Grant is the founder of Grant Engineering Ireland Limited
which he started in 1977 near Birr, County Offaly to design, manufacture
and supply a wide range of efficient heating products. From an initial
factory size of 1500sq ft with 20 employees and manufacturing the Twin
Pass Back Boiler for domestic use, the company’s product range and
output has grown to require a 75,000sq ft factory facility in Crinkle
and now employs 200 in Ireland and 60 in the UK. Grant Engineering has
an annual turnover of €40million. The Company has recently expanded
and now includes solar panels and a variety of boiler types.
Gerard Cleary leads Glenisk Dairies based in Killeigh, Tullamore
which is Ireland’s largest organic fresh dairy products. Established
in 1987 by Cleary’s father John, he inherited the business in 1995 and
within a year, in response to the demands of a growing market, developed
it into a fully organic business. The company has built a strong
reputation of providing a range of healthy dairy products throughout
Ireland including; organic milk, goat’s milk and yogurts. In 2006
Glenisk teamed with Stonyfield Europe, co-owned by US based Stonyfield
Farm and Paris based Danone Group. The business agreement has expanded
their distribution chain to Tesco, Sainsbury and Wholefoods stores in
the UK. The company employs 35 staff.
For those interested in attending, please contact Denis or Verona
at Birr Technology Centre on (057) 9124000 or email duggand@shannondev.ie
. Spaces are limited and booking is essential.

18/10/2007
Birr Family Attempt To Break World Record In Dublin Marathon
The O'Donoghue Family from Birr will attempt to run their way into the
Guinness Book of World Records by being the largest family to
complete a marathon, when they take part in the Dublin Marathon on Bank
Holiday Monday, 29th October 2007.
Lucozade Sport, the country's leading sports nutrition brand,
will sponsor the family as they undertake the challenge to break the
world record that currently stands at 12. The family, which
consists of 15 siblings aged between 32 and 52, hope to break that
record as well as raising awareness and much needed funds for their
nominated charity, Down Syndrome Ireland.
All 15 family members are aiming to cross the line on race day,
be it running, jogging, or walking. Speaking about the world record
attempt, Ruth O’Donoghue said, 'No member of our family has ever
completed a marathon before, so it is a huge challenge to undertake. We
are currently training hard and all our preparations are going well. By
taking part in the marathon, we are aiming to raise much-needed funds
for Down Syndrome Ireland. It is a charity that is very close to our
hearts as our nephew Mark was born with Down Syndrome two years ago. We
hope the money we raise will assist the charity, and the generous
donation from Lucozade Sport will go a long way in helping out,'
continued Miss O'Donoghue.
Ronan McClafferty, from Lucozade Sport said, 'We are
delighted to be associated with such a unique world record attempt. A
marathon is one of the most demanding tests that any sports person
can undertake. I commend the family in their attempt to not only compete
in the marathon, but to break the world record. It's no mean feat but I’m
positive they are going to give it 110% effort and I wish them all the
best.'
To make a donation to the O’Donoghue Family’s chosen charity,
Down Syndrome Ireland, please contact Bank Of Ireland, Birr. Acount No:
78329199. Sort Code: 90-16-77.

4/10/2007
Birr Plan To Do Much Better In Tidy Towns
Birr can do much better in the national Tidy Towns Competition,
commented Cllr Denis Sheils, chairman Birr Tidy Towns, at an awards
presentation ceremony this week.
He made his comments during a new Birr Tidy Towns
Initiative awards event, the prizegiving ceremony for which was held in
Dooly's Hotel on Monday evening last.
This event was very well attended which clearly showed the pride
which so many have for their town.
Cllr Sheils said this awards scheme was an attempt 'to get the
community involved in Birr and its appearance.'
He praised Birr Credit Union who, he said, had 'no hesitation in
being our sponsors' for the awards scheme. He added that it requires a
very large effort to perform well in the Tidy Towns competition.
Cllr Michael Loughnane, Chairman Birr Town Council, commented on
'the good turnout, which shows the pride and interest that people have
in Birr. As you all know we have a wonderful heritage town here with
some gorgeous features such as John's Mall.
'Of course we would like Birr to do better in the Tidy Towns
Competition, and our performances in the past have not been for the want
of trying.
'We were disappointed that we didn't do a bit better in this
year's national competition. Tullamore is a larger town and they
received more marks. Hopefully this new awards scheme will lead to us
doing better.'
He congratulated all the award winners and noted that his own
estate Meadowville was also the recipient of an award.
Michael Deane, President of Birr Credit Union, remarked that
great credit is due to the Birr Tidy Towns committee for starting this
awards scheme, 'and the Credit Union would like to continue to sponsor
the scheme during the coming years.'
'Donating the money was the easy part,' commented Mattie de Forge
of Birr Credit Union. 'If everyone in the town looked after their own
patch it would make life a lot easier for the Tidy Towns committee.'
Cllr Sheils added that it was an outsider who judged the awards
and he urged people to form their own residents associations. He said
there is much work to be done and he envisaged doing as well in the
competition as Westport.
A Special Birr Tidy Towns Committee Award was then made to Mr
& Mrs John Lawlor of Moorpark Street who do a great deal of Tidy
Towns work.
The Category Winners were as follows: Gardens - Highly Commended
(in alphabetical order; Prize - Plaque): 1. Mr & Mrs Aherne, Glebe
St, 2. Mrs Bergin, Moorpark Street, 3. Mr & Mrs Coughlan, Westgate;
4. Mrs Eades, Seffin; 5. Mr & Mrs Richard Flanagan, Woodlands; 6. Mr
Dan Hanlon, St Brendan's Villas; 7. Mrs Mary Kearns, the Crescent; 8.
Mrs Mary Kinsella, Syngefield; 9. Mr & Mrs Michael Quealy, Hillside;
10. Mrs Talbot, Hillside; 11. Mr & Mrs Walsh, Meadowbrook.
Best Kept Estate (in reverse order; Prize - Voucher for Residents
Association): 3rd place - Meadowville, Burke's Hill; 2nd place -
Westgate; 1st place - Meadowbrook, Burke's Hill.
Best New Estate (in reverse order; Prize - Voucher for Residents
Association): 3rd place - Sandymount; 2nd place - Hollypark Drive; 1st
place - Cor-na-Meala, Woodlane.
Best Shop Front (in reverse order; Prize - Plaque): 3rd place -
Kabelo Boutique, Emmet Square; 2nd place - Hedgerows, Main Street; 1st
place - Guinan's shoe shop, Main Street.
Best Kept Garden (in reverse order; Prize - Plaque and Voucher):
3rd place - Mrs O'Neill, New Road; 2nd place - Mrs Sherlock, William
Street; 1st place - Mrs Bergin, Hollypark.

4/10/2007
Cllr Carroll Welcomes Grove Street Grant
Cllr. John Carroll this week welcomed a grant of €47,500 from the
Department of Environment for enhancement work at Grove St, Crinkle.
This grant came as a result of an application by Offaly County
Council. Cllr. Carroll wants to compliment everyone
involved and especially Fiona McCabe who has liaised with the residents
group over the past number of years.
It will be important that there is maximum community involvement
via the residents association in how this money is spent, and it is
important that it brings an enhancement to the quality of life of the
residents of Grove Street.
Cllr. Carroll has already been in contact with Offaly Co. Council
regarding this grant and is confident that their will be a multi-strand
approach in deciding how this grant can be used to visually and
physically improve and enhance Grove Street and support the actions of
the residents group who have shown pride in their estate and community.

4/10/2007
Birr Stage Guild Hosts One-Act Drama Festival
Birr Stage Guild will be hosting a One Act Drama Festival in Birr
Theatre and Arts Centre from Friday 26th of October to Sunday 28th
October at 8p.m. The festival will be showcasing a diverse range
of one act plays performed by well known Drama companies from around the
country. It is being run in conjunction with the Drama League of Ireland
and the Amateur Drama Council of Ireland and is being held for the first
time in Birr Theatre as part of the national circuit of competitive one
act festivals. There will be three one act plays staged each night with
awards presented at the end of the festival for the best in each
category. The one act plays will be adjudicated by actor and director
Garry Lombard.
The festival opens on Friday 26th October with the Tungsten
Theatre Group performing 'The Wayfarer'. This will be followed by
Crooked Wheel Productions staging of the comic one act 'What shall we do
with the body?' The night will finish with St. Patrick’s Dramatic
Society’s performance of 'Death of a Dummy'.
Saturday 27th October sees the Bradán Players Leixlip take to
the stage with the comedy 'Pillow Talk'. Camross Drama Group follow with
the thriller 'A Cliff Hanger'. The night ends with 'The Wooden Pear'
performed by the Sanity Clause Theatre Company.
The festival concludes on Sunday 28th October with the final
three one acts. Haulbowline Theatre Group begin the night with the
domestic fantasy 'The Little Gentleman'. Moate Dramatic Society follow
this with the drama 'Snow Angel'. The final one act of the festival,
'Sundays', is performed by La Touche Players.
The festival promises to be most entertaining with an exciting
array of dramatic talent on display. Tickets are available from Birr
Theatre and Arts Centre, Box office: (057) 9122911. Tickets priced €10/€8
(three night rate €20/€18. Group Rates also available on request).
Come along and enjoy the fun!!

4/10/2007
Birr News Digest
Blood Donation Clinic
A blood donation clinic will be held at the Marian Hall Birr on
Thursday and Friday October 4th and 5th. Times of the clinic on Thursday
are from 2.30p.m. to 4.45p.m. and 7p.m. to 9.30p.m. and on the Friday
from 10.30a.m. to 12.30p.m. and 2.30p.m. to 4.45p.m.
Rambles In Eireann
Sunday 7th October. Walk will be held in Clara. Meet at 2p.m.
prompt at Fivealley or 2.30p.m. at the RC Church in Clara. Walk will
commence at 2.30p.m. sharp. Guided tour of the town and light
refreshments afterwards. Contact Noel Quegan on 9133128 or Ben Oakley on
9122141 if lift is required. New members welcome.
Social Dancing
Social dancing takes place in Rath Hall on Thursday, October 4th
next. Music by Midnight Melodies.
Birr Resource Centre
Birr Resource Centre is a facility for Community and Voluntary
groups. We provide affordable meeting space for these groups.
Also New Art classes with Judy Pearson are on a Tuesday afternoon and
Kidz Kraftz will be starting again in October so watch this space for
more details.
For more details plese phone Mary on (057) 9121912 office hours are
9.30-1.30 Monday to Friday
Wilmer Tennis Club
The annual John Joe Sheeran tournament will be held on this
Friday October 5th at 7p.m.. Anyone interested in playing can put their
name on the sheet on the clubhouse noticeboard. There is already a very
good entry for this tournament so it should be a great night.
The Division 2 team began their Midland League campaign last week
with a home game against Puckane. It was a very tight game with Puckane
just edging it 3-2. The clubs meet again in Puckane on this Thursday
night. Loughrea are the other team in this group.
The club championships began this week with the mixed doubles.
The format is slightly different for the championships this year. The
mixed doubles will be run off first over a two week period, followed by
the mens and ladies doubles over another two week period and finishing
with the singles over a single week.
Sincere sympathy is extended to the Feeney family, Roscrea on
their recent bereavement.
Birr Order Of Malta
Birr Order of Malta will be holding a fully certified Basic First
Aid Course commencing on Wednesday October 10th at 7.30p.m. in the old
Health Centre, Birr. Any enquiries to (087) 9079617.
Fundraiser For Down Syndrome In Birr Rugby Club
A fundraising night in aid of Down Syndrome Ireland takes place
in Birr Rugby Club on Saturday, October 6th next from 8pm till
late. 80's night and all for a good cause please
support.
Gala Fundraising Concert
'Rolling back the years' - Clonlisk National School celebration
concert featuring past and present pupils in the Community Centre,
Shinrone on Saturday October 6th at 8.30p.m. Admission adults €10,
children €5. Book early to avoid disappointment. Tickets are available
from Clonlisk NS (0505) 47421, Byrne's Shop, Dunkerrin, Mary at (087)
7461134 or Anne at (087) 2886265.
Cookery Demonstration By Darina Allen
Darina Allen, Ballymaloe Cookery School will host a cookery
demonstration on 11th October in the Shannon Oaks Hotel. Tickets
cost €30 each which includes a Cheese & Wine Reception and a
chance to win an overnight Spa Break in the 'Temple Country Retreat
& Spa', Moate. Tickets are on sale from Na Calai CDP (090) 9741887,
Susan Royston (086) 2051346 and locally from Jonathan Haslam and Jillian
Dagg, Brambles. All proceeds in aid of Sign Out Youth Café
Project, Na Calai CDP, Portumna.
Community Support For Older People
Applications are now invited from Community and Voluntary Groups
for funding under the 2007 Scheme of Community Support for Older
People. This scheme aims to improve the security and social support of
vulnerable older people in their homes by providing grants for :
Window locks; door locks and door chains designed to strengthen
points of entry to the dwelling; security lighting; the once off
cost of installing socially monitored alarm systems; smoke alarms.
Voluntary or Community based Organisations working with or
providing support for older people can apply to participate under this
scheme. Birr Neighbourhood Watch have received funding in previous years
under similar schemes and intend to apply again this year.
Persons living within Birr Urban District wishing to avail of
such assistance should apply as soon as possible, stating their
requirements and supplying such information as is required by the
Department. It should be noted that the lower age limit for
applicants is 65 years of age. Those with younger people residing
in the premises do not qualify.
Applications to:- Michael Hough Tel. (087) 6870713;
Rosaleen Harding Tel (087) 642 7506; Dympna Mackintosh (057)
91 22274.
Please Note : If you have applied for and completed the
application form , it should be returned by 31st of October 2007. For
further information please contact any of the above .
Marathon
Why not take part in the Dublin City Marathon on October 29th on
behalf of GROW, the Community Mental Health Movement?
Sponsorship cards and details from the Midlands office phone (057)
9351124. Closing date for entry is October 8th.
St Brendan's Environmental Group
St Brendan's Environmental Group has been the umbrella
organisation for the FAS Community empoloyment Scheme in the Birr area
for the past 15 years. The group includes many of the sporting,
charitable and community bodies in the area. A new programme of work
will start in October and a number of participants are required.
Applications in writing to G. Sammon, Secretary, 7 Seffin Avenue, Birr.
Ormond Hunt
Hunters trials on October 14th starting at 10.30a.m. at Gurteen
College. All classes and under 12s. Contact David Masterson (086)
0722941.
GROW
A Grow Group meets each week in Birr. If you are someone who
experienced depression or anxiety attacks or who is simply in need of
company do come along. You will have an opportunity to meet others,
share your problems in confidence, get support and make new friends. All
are welcome. No fees. Meetings take place in the Community Health Centre,
The Convent, Wilmer Road, Birr at 7.30p.m. every Tuesday. For further
information please contact Ruairi on (087) 2510965 or (057) 9351124.
Website:www.grow.ie Infoline: 1890 474 474.
Dochas
The Offaly Cancer Support Group is based at Teach Dóchas, Offaly
St., Tullamore. They offer support to people living with cancer and
their families and carers. Opening hours: Monday to Friday 10a.m to
2p.m. Telephone 05793 28268 email: dochasoffaly@eircom.net.
Farmers Vegetable Market
Farmers Vegetable Market will be in the Marian Hall Car Park
every Saturday between 10a.m.-5p.m. (Advert)
Medical Herbalist
Emmett Walsh, M.IIMH, M.NIMH, MSc (Herb Med), P.G.Dip (Herb
Med),. B.Arg.Sc. (Hons) Clinic at Roscore, Blueball, Tullamore. Tel:
(087) 2613042 or (057) 93 55844 by appointment only. Clinic at O'Meara's
Pharmacy, The Square Birr on Wednesdays. (Advert)
Social Dancing
There will be social dancing in the County Arms Hotel, Birr on
Tuesday next October 9th with music by Michael O'Brien.
Book Club
The next book club m
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