8/5/2008
Birr Comhaltas To Celebrate 50 Years

The members of the Birr branch of Comhaltas will celebrate 50 years of activity during 2008. A varied and extensive programme is being planned and details of the highlights of this will be announced at a special launch session in the County Arms Hotel on Thursday, 15th May starting at 9p.m.
  Entertainment will be provided by local and visiting artists but more importantly the organisers would welcome the attendance of those who have supported Comhaltas down the years or those who might have recently come to live in the area and might not be familiar with the work of the organisation. 
  Admission is free and refreshments will be provided.  

8/5/2008
Offaly Communities To Decide On AIB Funding Of €30,000 For Children

Offaly communities will have the final say in choosing children's projects to receive funding from the AIB Better Ireland Programme. Text votes from the general public will decide which of the most deserving children’s projects should receive funding of €10,000 from each of the local AIB branches.
  The three projects shortlisted in Birr are A. Chesterfield Community Childcare. B. Kidz Krafts. C. The SUB Project. Text BIRR followed by A, B or C to 53099 for the project of your choice 
  Voting starts on Tuesday 6th May and continues until Friday 6th June (phone lines open midnight 5th May). Each text vote costs 60c including VAT plus standard network charges, and all proceeds (after operator charges & VAT) will go to the relevant short-listed group, regardless of the final voting outcome.
  AIB’s Better Ireland Programme received almost 1,300 applications for funding across the country. Applications ranged from a wide variety of groups including homework clubs, teen clubs, autistic services, community crèches, schools and colleges as well as drug and alcohol services for youth.  
  Declan Quinn, AIB Regional Director, Offaly and Shannonside said: 'This year we broadened our programme to include children with physical, sensory and intellectual disabilities and there has been an overwhelming response. During May the public will be able to vote for the most deserving children’s project in their area. The new AIB Better Ireland Programme is all about local participation, local voting and local benefit for children and we would encourage everyone to get behind their local group.'
  Each branch has been assigned a ‘short code’ and each short-listed group has been assigned a letter (i.e., ‘A’, ‘B’, or ‘C’).  To register their votes, the public must text the branch short code followed by the letter ‘A’, ‘B’, or ‘C’ to 53099. Full details on the branch short codes and group letter are available on www.aib.ie/betterireland or in every AIB branch from 6th May.

8/5/2008
Birr Artist Exhibits At European Media Art Festival

For five whole days, the city of Osnabrück in northern Germany was a lively, prominent meeting place for artists, curators, lenders and gallery owners, as it hosted the European Media Art Festival 2008. 
  Birr artist Nicky Larkin was the only Irish artist selected for this year's European Media Art Festival, where his piece 'Pripyat' was screened. 
  The festival is the meeting place for specialists from the fields of art, culture and the media, as well as an interested international audience. Each year, the festival provides a current overview of the international media art scene. 
  Around 300 current installations, films and videos were selected and shown at this year's festival from a total of around 2200 works submitted from 50 countries. With more than 16,000 visitors and 800 accredited guests, who attended the screenings, performances, lectures and the exhibition, the festival received very positive responses from both the media and the art world.  
  Nicky Larkin's 'Pripyat' is an experimental short film shot in the Chernobyl exclusion zone, funded by the Irish Arts Council. The city of Pripyat was once considered the finest place to live in the whole of the Soviet Union. A thoroughly modern city, it was built in 1970 to house the workers of the Chernobyl nuclear power plant and their families, and was once happy home to 50,000 people. 
  In the aftermath of the accident in April 1986, the residents were instructed to pack one suitcase and told they would be returning in three days. One thousand buses were drafted in from all across the Soviet Union to take the residents of Pripyat out of their now highly-contaminated homes. They never returned.  
  Twenty two years later Pripyat stands empty, a ghost town deep within the exclusion zone, the last remaining Soviet city. The haunting experimental film takes the viewer inside Pripyat to examine the relationship between time, nature and culture, in a city that will never be lived in again. The film was screened twice at the festival, where it was warmly received by critics and audience alike.

8/5/2008
Birr News Digest

Big Welcome Planned For New Taoiseach 

Newly elected Taoiseach Brian Cowen will be visiting Birr as part of his big homecoming welcome next weekend. Mr Cowen is due to arrive in Birr at 4p.m. where he will be welcomed in Emmet Square. There will be music and festivities to welcome the new Taoiseach and Mr Cowen will address the crowd from a platform in the Square. Everyone is welcome to come along and give a big Birr welcome to the new Taoiseach.

Wilmer Tennis Club AGM
  The AGM of the Wilmer Tennis Club was held on Wednesday night last. There was a very small attendance, which was very disappointing. The following officers were elected for the coming year: President - Kathleen Roe; Chairperson - John O'Callaghan; Secretary - Grainne Cashen; Assistant Secretary - Ann Quinlan; Treasurer - Amanda Kenny; PRO - John O'Callaghan.
  The next Social Tennis Night will be on Friday next May 9th at 7.30p.m. With the sun out on the long evenings, hopefully it will attract a big crowd. All are welcome.
  The next tournament on the programme is the Inter Firms, which will start in the next few weeks. Watch the clubhouse notice board for details of entries.

Four Seasons Gardening Club
  Four Seasons Gardening Club will be going to Larch Hill Garden Kilcock on Sunday next May 11th. Bus will be leaving the Square, Kilcormac at 9.30a.m. €10 deposit will secure seat. Names to Eileen at 9135152. Thanks to everyone who went on the week away. Everyone had a great time and they are looking forward to next year already.

Birr Town Summer Soccer Camp
  Birr Town FC Summer Soccer Camp is being held this year from the 7th to the 11th July at Woodfield Park. Open to girls and boys aged 7-15 this is always a very popular camp. Application forms are now in the Birr Post Office, Kilcormac and Banagher post office. You can also book online at www.fai.ie or call 1890 653653. Don't forget you get a free personalised jersey when you book before May 15th, 2008. Don't be disappointed apply now, any local information call (086) 8892429.

Birr Theatre & Arts Centre
  As part of the Bealtaine Festival the film being shown on Thursday 8th and Friday 9th May is Grow Your Own, set on an allotment in the North of England where a bunch of grumpy old men spend their days nurturing their beloved allotments. When a family of asylum seekers from China move in the locals are less than happy. With its focus on community and a determination to challenge British fears of being swamped by immigrants, the movie has a contemporary feel.  
  On Wednesday 14th May there is a treat in store for all the family when the Talisman Theatre Company present an all time fairy-tale favourite; Puss In Boots. A 'purr-fect' treat! Step into a magical world presided over by the cleverest cat ever to wear boots!  
  An enchanting evening celebrating the dance and performance talent of Offaly’s children (aged 7-11) and youth (aged 12-16) takes place on Thursday 15th May. Choreographed by Legitimate Bodies Dance Company this is a wonderful opportunity for the young people to take part in a full length contemporary dance piece. The programme also includes national and international guest artists as well as a performance by another guest youth group. Dance classes continue at Birr Theatre and Arts Centre under the guidance of Legitimate Bodies Dance Company. Members old and new can be guaranteed a fun, friendly and safe environment where everyone can experience the joy and beauty of dance. Yummy Dance – On Tuesdays at 3p.m. Dance games for 3-5 year olds to keep them active and nurture their creativity. First Footing – On Saturdays at 10a.m. Fun sessions for 7-11 years olds with the result being shown in the Rite Of Summer on 15th May. Offaly Youth Dance – On Saturdays at 12 noon exploring contemporary dance for 12-15 year olds. They too will be performing in the Rite Of Summer on 15th May. Community Dance Classes take place on Wednesdays at 8p.m. These are a great opportunity to maintain fitness and well being in a fun and relaxing environment. Ballet for Adults. These take place on Wednesdays at 6.30p.m. and are an opportunity to enjoy the dancing whilst benefiting from the health benefits of ballet.
  Box office opens 1p.m.-5.30p.m. Monday-Friday. Contact (057) 9122911 or check out www.birrtheatre.com for further details.

Birr Library Hosts Age And Opportunity In The Community
  Bealtaine 2008 is a festival of activity for the active retirement community. Birr Library has a series of activities to suit most interests.  
  There will be computer workshops every Tuesday morning at 10.00a.m. and Cultural mornings every Thursday at 10.30a.m. throughout May.  
  This week in the computer workshop, learn how to create an e-mail account or how to book a flight/ hotel room/ holiday.
  Sister Maeve will be presenting a talk on old Irish sayings on Thursday morning.
  There is also free internet access for all retired individuals and people over 65 years old for the month of May.
  Story time will continue throughout May on Saturday mornings at 11.30a.m. 
  Bookworms are reading 'The Black Book of Secrets' by F.E. Higgins and will met on Saturday 10th May at 2.00p.m.
  The Children’s Book Club are reading 'A Thing With Finn' by Tom Kelly and will met on Saturday 10th May at 2.30p.m.
  New members are always welcome

Apostolic Work Group
  Kinnitty Apostolic Work Group would like to thank most sincerely all those who contributed so generously to their annual display and cake sale on Sunday April 27th. Your support is very much appreciated.

Table Quiz
  Table quiz in Milnes Pub Crinkle at 9p.m. on Friday 9th May in aid of Crinkle Feile na nGael Handball team. All welcome to attend.

Slieve Bloom Walks
  The Summer Programme of guided walks in the Slieve Blooms kicks off this weekend with two walks in the Kinnitty area. Richard Jack leads a Grade B walk in Kinnitty Woodland - Duration five hours, Distance five miles. Registration at Kinnitty Community Centre at 11a.m.
  John Scully and Chris Byrne lead a guided Eco Walk in Knockbarron. Duration two and a half hours. Distance three miles .
  Registration at Kinnitty Community Centre at 11a.m.
  At this time of year the woods are carpeted in bluebells and the colours are magnificent. Why not come along and join us.
 
Family Funday 
  Mid Ireland Tourism in association with St. Anne’s Special School are holding a Family Funday on Sunday 18th May 2008 in Grant's Hotel Roscrea from 3p.m.– 6p.m. The event will feature a Children’s Disco, Puppet Show, Magic Show, Face Painting, Balloon Modelling, Prizes and much more. Tickets are only €5 and are available on the day.
  Come along and enjoy an afternoon of fun activities for all the family. Contact Mid Ireland Tourism on (057) 9120923 for more details.
 
Carrig & Riverstown Ladies Club
  Will members please note there will be no meeting for May and June. They will regroup after the Summer break in September, when they hope to be back stronger than ever. Enjoy the summer everyone.

Sunrise Golf Society
  Sunrise Golf Society had a very enjoyable day last Saturday in Birr GC for their annual Lourdes Fund Day. The weather was good, the golf was so so but the craic was good. Congrats to the following: 1st place Alan Hennessy 36 pts, 2nd Martin Talbot 35 pts, 3rd Benny Beale 35 pts, 4th Pat Gleeson 34pts, 5th Paddy Melsop 31pts. They would like to thank everyone who played and subscribed to this worthy cause especially Seán O'Meara who sponsored all the prizes on the day. Finally they wish Benny Beale the best of luck on his trip to Belarus, another worthy cause.

Birr Town Lotto
  Numbers drawn in the Birr Town lotto his week were 2, 6, 10 and 20. Bonus 29. No jackpot winner. Four match three winners each get €50  - John Guinan, Newbridge St, Birr c/o PJ, Phil McDermott, c/o PJ, Martina Breslin, c/o County Arms, Ms Horan, Meadowville, Birr. Next week's Jackpot will be €4,800 and with star prize €7,800. Next week's draw will take place in Pilkington's. Thanks for all your continued support.

Intellectual Disability Association
  The annual general meeting of the Offaly Association for people with an intellectual disability will be held in Days' Hotel, Tullamore on Tuesday 13th May at 8.30p.m. There will be a special guest speaker at this meeting.

Marian Hall Notes
  Bingo: The jackpot on Friday night last was not won. The jackpot next Friday night is €3,000 on 46 calls with a top game of €300 if not won. Calling as usual 8.30p.m. sharp. 
  Progressive 25 Drive: Eight pairs shared top prize on 10 games, Dick Johnston and Bill Owens, Dan Foley and Freda Tierney, Tony Butler and John Coughlan, Bertie Coleman and Stephen Lonergan, Michael Coffey and Jimmy Dolan, Liam and Marguerite Shanahan, Kieran Daly and Elsie O'Halloran and Joe Cantwell and Peter Darcy. The last game went to Tim Carey and Jack Corrigan while Marie Banaghan and Paddy Daly won the table prize. Raffle prize winners were Terri Kinahan (x 2) and Angela English. Cards continue on Sunday night with a jackpot of €100 on 14 games. Cards at 9p.m. sharp.

Birr Apostolic Works
  Birr Apostolic Works would like to thank everyone who helped and supported their sale of work and display on last Sunday 27th April.

Birr Social Club
  Darts tournament in aid of the IHCPT sponsored by Brian Whelahan. Nightly prizes sponsored by John Reedy, Jim Cashen, Simon Whelehan.  The last two quarter finals were played last week with Brosna Lodge beating the Swan Bar in a very sporting game, and Bulldogs beating M Lyons Banagher after some super darts. Raffle winners, T Kenny, D Kenny, L Molloy, P Dunne.  This sets up this week's sem-ifinals, the first between Pascal Ryans and the Bulldogs, and the second between Sullivans Kilcormac and Brosna Lodge, with the final fixed for Sunday next 11th May. 
  Snooker, the draw for the Banner Scratch Cup will be in next week's issue.

Birr Scouts
  Birr and Coolderry hosted the mini olympics for cubs in the Slieve Bloom region. Sincere thanks to Coolderry GAA for allowing Scouting Ireland to use their grounds for the event. The day was a huge success with Cubs from Tullamore, Clara, Birr, Pullough, Coolderry, Mountrath and Roscrea participating in all the events. The overall winners of the day for the Perpetual Shield which was presented by Jim Windsor McGlynn (in memory of his father) was shared jointly by Coolderry and Roscrea. 
  Birr Scouts are going on annual camp to Glenshelane, Co Waterford on the 11th July and parents are reminded to send in the consent form to any of the leaders not later than the 8th of May. The usual June bank holiday camping weekend will be held in Portumna Forest Park. This is a popular event every year since the foundation of the scouts in Birr. We have a saying in the scouts, 'once a scout always a scout'; so any of our past members are welcome to drop in for a cup of smoked tea over the bank holiday weekend.

Ballyegan Gardening Club
  Ballyegan Gardening Club have organized a workshop which will be presented and supervised by Mary from Sunflowers but will be held in the Birr Garden Centre at 7p.m. on Wednesday 14th May. It will involve making hanging baskets and window boxes. All bedding plants available on the night. All are welcome. Their annual summer trip this year is a visit to the Rathwood Home Gift and Garden World, Rath, Tullow, Co Carlow on Saturday July 5th. Bus leaving Ballyegan Hall at 9.30a.m. Members €20. Non members €25. All monies to be paid in full by the next meeting in June. Any enquiries contact Caroline at 9120823 or (086) 3135153.

Emporium At The Stables
  Emporium At The Stables, Oxmantown Mall, Birr. Home furnishings, gifts and tea rooms. In conjunction with the launch of our customer loyalty card, come and enjoy a night of 'Me' time in the Summertime. Ladies Retail Therapy Night Thursday May 8th from 7p.m. to 10p.m. Tel (057) 9120263. www.thestablesbirr.com (advert).

Birr Employment Options
  Are you interested in improving your confidence upskilling or getting back into the workforce?
  West Offaly Partnership/FAS will be starting its sixth employment options course on the 19th May 2008. This is a Fetac level 4 course
  This course runs as a full time 26 week programme, Monday to Friday 9.30a.m. to 4.30p.m. The course is open to men and women aged 16 to 64. Course content will include Communications, Maths, Personal Development, Computers, Prep for work and much more. Places are limited. The programme is free of charge; There is a training and childcare allowance available for eligible candidates (FAS terms and conditions apply). Should you require any further information please contact Carmel Ormond, West Offaly Partnership, Bridge St. Birr or phone (057) 91 21155.

Book Club
  The next book club meeting will be held on Monday, 12th May. The book for this month is 'The Last Coyote' by Michael Connelly (chosen by Sandra). New members welcome. Enquiries to (057) 91 39028.  

Music Nights At The Chestnut 
  Music event on Wednesday nights at the Chestnut (Advert).  

Birr Active Retired 
  Next meeting of the Birr Active Retired takes place on the 8th May at 7.30p.m. Bealtaine Festival Celebration in the Birr Library each Thursday in May at 10.30am.

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. 
  Judy Pearsons art class has reconvened on Tuesdays from 12.30 pm to 3.30 pm.
  For more information please call 0579121912 or email birrresourcecentre@eircom.net 

Weight Watchers
  Weight Watchers Birr (086) 6086067, Dooly's Hotel, Wednesdays. Class times 11.30a.m. and 12.45p.m. Evenings 5.15p.m. and 6.30p.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 Offaly Cancer Support Group
  Birr Outreach Service is located in Health Centre, St John's Terrace. Open on Tuesdays from 10.30a.m. to 2p.m. They offer support and information to people living with cancer and their families and friends. Drop in for a chat and a cuppa. All welcome. Totally confidential.
  Volunteers needed. Training provided. Application forms can be obtained from Teach Dochas on (057) 93 28268.

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)

Information Session On Garda Vetting For Childminders
  Free information session on Garda vetting for Childminders will be held in Athlone on 22nd May at 7.30p.m. If you would like to attend please phone Fiona on (057) 9370630.

Understanding Your Accounts
  Offaly County Enterprise Board is running a one-day Understanding your Accounts course on Tuesday 20th May in Days Hotel, Tullamore.  The course is designed to help business owners interpret their financial reports and accounts in order to understand and identify profitable and unprofitable parts of their business. The course fee is just €70, booking is essential. For more information or to book a place contact Offaly CEB on 057 9352971 or check out their website www.offalyceb.ie
 

8/5/2008
Birr Tidy Towns AGM

There was a large attendance at the Birr Tidy Towns Annual Walk last week. Michael Donegan once again started the walk and then proceeded to guide the group through Birr Castle grounds. A very special thanks to the Rosse Family who allowed the walk through the Castle Demesne. Also thanks to their loyal supporters who have participated in the walk and are also their main source of funding. They have sold sponsored cards and they very much appreciate their ongoing support physically and financially. 
  A special thanks to Birr Tidy Towns Committee for their input into the walk. They appreciate the assistance we receive from Birr Knights of Malta. Adj. Johhny Kennedy, Lieutenant Ann Corcoran and the two volunteers Shane Hart and Marie Bolton. 
  The lack of civic pride in BIrr leaves a lot to be desired. On seven occasions over the weekend personnel from Birr Tidy Towns cleaned up tins, bottles, boxes from takeaway in Mill Island. Tourism has always been good for Birr Town but they were dismayed to hear of ongoing dumping on the old Rath Road, Woodlane, Rock Lane, plus leaving waste in bags around certain areas of Birr. Bins are for street waste not for household waste. 
  A special thanks Liam Moran and his FAS group for planting the trees in Sandymount, Bridge St., A hearty thanks to Pat Cleary photographer for coming down to photograph the walkers and sympathy to him on the passing of his Uncle. 
  Birr Fishing club and Birr Tidy Towns have planned a worknight on Wednesday week, 14th May in the Mill Island area. The ESB Personnel have included in their 2008 programme to commence the second phase of their walking route having completed the walk from Springfield Bridge to the Red Bridge (two and half miles). The 2nd phase is from Birr Hospital to Springfield, Birr. 

8/5/2008
40th Annual Birr Vintage Week & Arts Festival

The next meeting of the 40th Annual Birr Vintage Week & Arts Festival will take place this Friday 9th May at 8.30p.m. in Dooly’s Hotel. Amongst the topics for discussion will be those of fundraising and upcoming Festival events. As this is such an important anniversary it is planned to have an even more extensive programme of events than in previous years.
  As the Festival is entirely reliant on sponsorship and voluntary contributions a number of fundraisers are planned over the coming months. All funds raised will go towards the many free and subsidised events held during the week long festival. Local businesses have been contacted for contributions to the programme and the committee are hoping for continuing generous support from annual sponsors and hope that new businesses will also appreciate the value of a large-scale community Festival in increasing local commerce.
  Since the Festival Memorabilia Appeal was launched a number of people have contacted Brendan Fogarty with their memories and memorabilia. The Committee are still asking that anyone who has either old photographs (preferably with the year and names noted), newspaper articles, programmes, stories or anecdotes from previous Festivals to contact Brendan on (086) 3051699 or to post them to Brendan at 3, Roscrea Road, Birr.  These are for inclusion in the special 40th Anniversary Commemorative Programme and all items will be returned if contact details are included.  
  Please support your local festival and make 2008 the one to remember! For further information on Fundraisers or the Festival itself, please contact info@birrvintageweek.com or check out www.birrvintageweek.com.

8/5/2008
New CD Launched Before Packed Crowd In Birr

Carmel Horan officially launched her new CD to a packed banquet hall at Dooly's Hotel in Birr last Tuesday evening. The CD entitled is 'I Know Who Holds Tomorrow' and all proceeds ill be going to two charities namely Offaly Hospice and Emmanuel House, Clonfert. 
  People travelled from far and near to pack out the hotel and hear Carmel performing tracks from the new CD. Since it was released it has generated phenomenal interest and has been getting airplay on a wide variety of radio stations. 
  Carmel was joined by family and friends for the launch and there were also a number of special guest present, who all helped make it an occasion to remember. 
  Carmel Is originally from Kilcormac/Killoughey, and her family the Guinans are well known in musical circles there, but she is now residing in Banagher, where she is married to Aodh. They have two children, Sharon and Patrick. 
  The CD includes many well known tracks including 'You Raise Me Up', 'Amazing Grace', Voice Of An Angel', 'The Old Rugged Cross,' 'Wings Of A Dove' and 'Lady of Knock' to highlight a few of the gospel orientated musical themes that Carmel excels in. Carmel remarked, 'most of the hymns on the CD are based on the Gospel. They could carry each one of us over different situations.' she added.
  The CD launch was overseen by Big Ed of Radio 3 and other radio stations representatives were present also. The CD itself was produced by Dessie Sheerin in his studio in Athlone and Carmel thanked him for all his professional advice and assistance in the project. The Sheerin family provided back music for Carmel on the night, while James Kilbane was one of the other guests present for the launch. There was also a wealth of professional and established musicians who performed on the night. 
  As well as raising money for the two charities, the CD is also a fitting tribute to a friend of Carmel's who sadly passed away last February, as Carmel remarked, 'She was really the inspiration behind the venture'. 
  Carmel explained the background to making the CD. She said it all started through her friend Barbara Kennedy, a young woman from Dublin who was married to Philip with three children and living in Eyrecourt. Barbara had ovarian cancer and Carmel got to know her through Emmanuel House where she came to pray. They became great friends, 'I used to visit her and she would ask me to sing a song or a hymn. One day I sang "I Know Who Holds Tomorrow". She started onto me to make a CD. There was no stopping her. We would make for the Hospice and Emmanuel House. I was to sing and she was to launch it. But God had other plans,' Carmel recalled. 
  Carmel said it was Barbara's wish that the proceeds would be to Offaly Hospice and Emmanuel House. Emmanuel House is a registered charity and the upkeep of the centre depends on donations coming to it. 
  Carmel pointed out, 'Offaly Hospice like all Hospices are doing extraordinary work for the sick and dying.' she added, 'Emmanuel House is probably my second home. It is a Catholic prayer centre of evangelisation under the ecclesiastical calling of the Bishop of Clonfert, John Kirby. It is run by Eddie and Lucy Stones as custodians appointed by Bishop Kirby. It is a place where thousands of people came, including myself and Barbara, to experience the healing power of mind, body, soul, and spirit through the Holy Eucharist and Sacraments. This place was Barbara's second home too.'
  Carmel recalled that it was just before Christmas last year when she was in the process of recording 'The Old Rugged Cross,' that it struck her that her friend would not be with her for the launch of the CD, 'I took off the headphones and said I needed a copy to bring to the hospital. I just knew I had to get it. When I came out her husband had texted me to she wanted to see me. I brought "The Old Rugged Cross" with me. She asked me where was the CD and I played her "The Old Rugged Cross" that was a very emotional time for me.'
  One of the main guests on the night was Big Ed of Radio 3 who originally heard about the CD and had contacted Carmel. She had sent him out a copy which he put out on the airwaves. Carmel said the response was brilliant. Tipp FM, Galway Bay FM, Clare FM and even a station in New York have all played track from the album. Carmel says she just can't keep up with the demand.
  On Easter Monday Carmel did a phone-in with Big Ed on Radio 3 and she said the texts and messages coming in were very moving, ' Every person was touched by the hymns in their own different way, different events in their lives from suicide to children's deaths to sickness and loneliness or being thankful for things in their lives.' 
  The fundraising proved a tumultuous success and Carmel extended thanks to her family, friends and neighbours for their support in making the CD. The CD is, of course, on sale in all shops locally and Carmel thanked everyone who offered to stock it. She extended particular thanks to Radio 3, Big Ed and Betty, Ricey Scully and all the other stations who supported and played tracks from the album. She extended thanks to John McCann, Chairman of Offaly Hospice, who supported Carmel with ticket sales and she also thanked Emmanuel House for all their support and help also. Finally she thanked all the local businesses who have offered sponsorship and anyone else who helped her in any way.
  

8/5/2008
Witness Talented Young Offaly Dancers In 'The Rite Of Summer'

After the completion of a successful tour in Mexico, that saw this growing local dance reality performing in Mexico City, Puebla and Tlaxcala as well as teaching at the Universidad De Las Americas and at the National School of Ballet and Contemporary Dance of Mexico, the Legitimate Bodies company is back in Ireland with a new exciting project.
  Legitimate Bodies’ first outreach season, a six-week project in various Offaly primary schools, together with Offaly Youth Dance, a young dance ensemble for 12-16 year old, First Footing, a dance club for children aged 7-11 and children from Chesterfield Community Centre will culminate in an evening performance called 'The Rite of Summer' on 15th May at Birr Theatre and Arts Centre.
  Thanks to the support of Offaly County Council and Birr Theatre, the young dancers will have the opportunity to perform in a mixed bill alongside professional work from Brian Degn, a Danish dance artist on his first visit to Ireland and Rebecca Armstrong, former Joffrey Ballet dancer, now resident in Offaly.
  During the same evening 'Monitor', a short dance film featuring the choreographies of Sascha Perfect, Katarina Mojzisova and company director Nick Bryson will be screened.
The film, directed by Luke McManus and produced by Eadaoin Patton, was commission by RTE and the Arts Council under the 'Dance on the Box' scheme and has been screened during the Dublin Dance Festival and on RTE2.
  The evening is a feast of joy of movement, heartfelt yet light, don’t miss this wonderful opportunity to support a growing local dance reality and the talent of 30 young Offaly dancers.
  With group rates available, tickets are €14/12. For more info and bookings please contact Box office at Birr Theatre, 0579122911, or e-mail legitimatebodies@eircom.net. 

8/5/2008
Birr Camogie Notes 

Senior Championship
  Birr were at home to Drumcullen in Crinkle on Tuesday evening of last week and those who attended were in for a treat because this was a great game of camogie played with passion and skill by both teams and in the end Birr seemed to want it more and came away with a two point win on a scoreline of Birr 2-6 Drumcullen 2-4.
  The scoring started in the 3rd minute when Tanya Coughlan collected on the right wing, rounded her player and laid off a great hand pass for Michelle Nagle to point. Drumcullen replied with a pointed free by Elaine Dermody in the 6th minute.
  Drumcullen then added a goal and point both from play by Elaine once again and she was causing problems for the Birr backline. Then Audrey Kennedy in Birr's goals was harshly judged to have fouled and a penalty was awarded to Drumcullen and while Audrey blocked the initial shot the rebound was doubled on by Drumcullen and they were seven points clear as the ball hit the net. 
  At this stage Birr began to get going and Arlene Watkins pointed a free on 26 minutes and Michelle Gleeson who was having a great game quickly pointed again from the puckout. Birr never let Drumcullen settle on the ball and were rewarded with a great goal by veteran Deirdre Cahill who had moved from full back to full forward and doubled on a great pass from Deirdre Ryan. This was Deirdre's very first score for the club in all her years playing and gave the whole team the lift they badly needed and at half time going in only two points behind playing against the wind.
  Birr got off to the start they needed in the second half when Michelle Gleeson pointed from almost half way after a great hand pass from Michelle Nagle after two minutes. From the puckout Arlene Watkins broke forward and when fouled, pointed the resulting free. With the teams on level scores it was end to end camogie and on 9 minutes Deirdre Cahill got her second goal after a great solo and pass from Katie Bergin. 
  Drumcullen added two points but it was Tanya Coughlan who finished the scoring on 23 minutes with a well taken point from the right side. Now Birr were playing with confidence and determination and the half back line of Michelle O'Gorman, captain Sheila Sullivan and player of the match Orla Masterson were not going to let any ball through. Maura Ryan played a superb game in the full back line and Grace Ryan broke down many attacks on the left wing. 
  Kady McKenna grew in confidence as the game went on and Arlene Watkins ran all evening. Michelle Gleeson played her best camogie this year, linking up well with Mairead Dooley, Katie Bergin and Michelle Nagle who delivered good ball to the inside forwards. Deirdre Ryan crossed some lovely ball before being replaced by Jane McCarthy for the last 10 minutes and Jane got stuck in and challenged for every ball not allowing the Drumcullen backs clear them easily. Tanya Coughlan played very well especially in the last quarter of the game. 
  This was a major scalp for Birr as it is over twenty years since they beat Drumcullen in championship camogie and it shows the work that is being done by a very strong management team and the club in general over the past few years. The future looks bright for Offaly camogie in general as there is very strong competition for the senior championship this year and any club could emerge as champions.
  This was a much improved performance from last week against Naomh Brid and they will have to play at this level to be in contention at the end of the league campaign. The next round is not until 24th June after all exams are over when they travel to Shinrone who have full points from their three matches.
  Team: Audrey Kennedy, Grace Ryan, Deirdre Cahill, Maura Ryan, Michelle O'Gorman, Sheila Sullivan (capt), Orla Masterson, Kady McKenna, Arlene Watkins (0-2), Katie Bergin, Mairead Dooley, Michelle Nagle (0-1), Deirdre Ryan, Michelle Gleeson (0-2), Tanya Coughlan (0-1). Subs. Jane McCarthy for Deirdre Ryan, Shauna Carroll, Julie Stephens, Jane McCarthy, Gillian Molloy, Orlagh Kirwan, Caroline Soupe, Siobhan Rogers, Rebecca Hoctor, Dearbhaile Sheils, Shauna Walsh.
  Training for the Under 16, U-18 and senior players continues at 7.30p.m. on Tuesday, Friday and on Sunday mornings.
 
Under 12 Championship; St Sinchills 0-0 Birr 2-5
  Our under 12 team travelled to Killeigh on Wednesday evening last to take on the home team in their first game of the championship. Birr had to wait a long time for the game to commence but this did not distract them from their task and played very well and came away with a very good victory. This victory will give the girls confidence going into their next games.
  Team: Emer Grimes, Roisin Watkins, Amelia Field, Fiona Guinan (0-4, 0-3 '30's), Audrey McAuliffe, Ciara Doran, Dawn Whelahan, Ciara Ryan, Jamie Spain (1-0), Sarah Lyons (1-0), Amy Lyons (0-1), Gillian Irwin, Ali Lyons, Clodagh Hanniffy, Philipa Ryan, Aoife Hogan.
 
Best Wishes
  The club wish our girls on the county under 16 panel the very best of luck in the All Ireland B Final against Derry on Sunday next. The players are Jane McCarthy, Shauna Carroll, Julie Stephens, Emily Quinlan, Caroline Soupe and Rebecca Hoctor. Let's hope the girls bring home All Ireland medals with them.
 
Club Meeting
  The next meeting of Birr Camogie Club will take place in Dooly's Hotel on Thursday 8th May at 8.30p.m. All committee members are requested to attend.
 
30 Years Old
  Birr Camogie Club is 30 years old this year and we are in the process of organising a club reunion. So keep Sunday October 26th free as that is the date. So if you have played camogie for Birr at any stage over the 30 years, you are very welcome to the reunion, so please pass on the word to any friends who may have moved away from the area. More details will be published over the next couple of weeks. 

8/5/2008
Golfing In The Glenns

Course Developments
  With the return of the course contractors many changes and further developments have been noted. The eleventh green has been enlarged and mounds and bunkers have been added. The eighteenth now has two new bunkers and some extra drainage. Work has also taken place on the new first. Hopefully the water that lodged ther over the winter will find a new home. With the removal of protective netting and the ropes the course is taking on a more attractive appearance with all members looking forward to exciting times later in the Summer.
Michael Loughnane Seat
  On Sunday next all members are invited to attend the presentation of the Michael Loughnane memorial seat to the Club. The seat is positioned on the new fourth tee facing towards the Club which Michael loved so much. He devoted many hours of his time to the running of The Glenns and contributed most generously towards the dozens of developments over the years. His family have kindly donated the seat in his honour. A most fitting memorial to his memory. 
For Your Diary
  Thursday 8th May; 10.00a.m. and 10.30a.m. Seniors. Please note that the outing to Mountrath has been changed to Tuesday 20th May.
  Thursday 8th May; 3.00p.m. Heineken Mixed v Glasson.
  Saturday 10th May; 2.30p.m. South Leinster v Kilkea Castle.
  Sunday 11th May; 12.30p.m. Presentation of Michael Loughnane Memorial seat on new 4th tee.
  Sunday 11th May; O’Dowd Trophy (GOY)
  Thursday 15th May; Miele Fourball.
  Friday 16th May; Wheelchair Classic.
  Saturday 17th May; Ladies Cup v Glasson.
  Sunday 18th May; President’s prize to members.
  Tuesday 20th May; 10.00a.m. Seniors outing to Mountrath.
Results
  Lady Captain’s prize to the men. 1st Pat Maher (5) 41 pts. 2nd Pat Pilkington (18) 40 pts. Gross: Billy McGarry (4) 33 pts. 3rd Liam O’Brien (9) 39 pts. 4th Greg Smyth (18) 39 pts,
Seniors. Ist Eddie Nevin, Brendan Dermody, Dick Johnston 69 pts. 2nd Tom Nestor, Paul Barber, Michael Ashe 66 pts. Gross: President Michael Liffey, Tim Kenny, Tom King 44 pts.
  Birr Community School Classic. 1st Mary Lonergan, Liz Pardy, Christine Bruce, Eleanor Campbell 108 pts. 2nd Michael Stephens, Dick Johnston, John Wims, Colman Loughnane 104 pts. 3rd Ger Claffey, Yvonne Claffey, Dara Claffey, Liam Hogan 103 pts. 4th Brendan O’Carroll, Frank Kenny, Paddy Hogan, Adrian Sheils 101 pts. 5th Aidan Farrelly, Paul Cleary, Damien Barron, Tim Carroll 101 pts. 6th Tony McCormack, Michael Coughlan, Brian Guinan, Tom Rigney 100 pts.
  Longest Drive Men: Michael Lyons. Longest Drive Ladies: Ming Loughnane.
  Nearest Pin Ladies: Liz Nolan. Nearest Pin Men: Ger Coughlan.
  Bridge: 1st John/Roma Gilmartin. 2nd Tie: Phonsie/Maura Kerrigan and Cecelia Doorley and Chris Harvey.
Inter Club Matches
  Well done to the Newbridge Mixed on their exciting win over Mount Temple on Thursday last. At home were Pat Molloy/Rita Delaney and Brian Guinan /Frances Ashe. Away were David Byrne/Tori Baker, Pat Maher/Annette Kenny and Ger Gath/Ena Guilfoyle. The Byrne/Baker combination brought off the heroics of the day being four down with six to play. They won five of the last six. The Guinan/Ashe combination kept the home end up by winning a tough match on the 20th. Well done to managers Mary Ryan and Francie Horan.
  Hard luck to Tim Kenny and his Duggan Cup team who went down 3/2 to Roscrea.
  On Thursday this week the Heineken Mixed managed by Presidents Michael and Bernadette take on Glasson. At home are Pat Madden/Kathleen Doorley, Pat Molloy/Ann Kenny, Eddie Nevin/Tori Baker and Billy Donlon/Aileen Watkins. Away are Bernard Kennedy/Gemma Butler, Seamas Breen/Mary Ryan and Michael Ashe/Marie Tooher. 
  On Saturday the South Leinsters under Tom King and Tony Hogan face Kilkea Castle. At home are Tom King, Aidan Farrelly, Pat Gleeson and Charlie Brophy. Away are Seamas Coakley, Seamas Guinan and Jim McGovern. Best of luck to both teams.
Ladies Golf
  Mary Ryan, Rita Delaney & Christine Bruce were the winning team in the AIB  Ladies Irish Open Club Challenge. We hope their winning score (106 aggregate points) will rank among the best 120 countrywide giving them a place in the play-off in June.
  Evelyn Lynch’s Senior Foursome team of Mary Ryan & Martina O’Brien; Ena Guilfoyle & Anne Kenny and Kathleen Doorley & Sheila Brennan successfully defended at home against Coolattin and they now proceed to the 3rd Round.   
  Mona Collins suffered the disappointment of seeing her Challenge Team beaten by Wicklow. Betty Feighery, Liz Nolan & Aileen Watkins played at home, Kay Kelly & Liz Pardy in Wicklow. All played tough tight matches and will live to compete again.
  The Newbridge Mixed team managed by Francie Horan & Mary Ryan beat Mount Temple.

1/5/2008
Leinster Regiment To Be Granted Freedom Of Belgian City

The 2nd Battalion of the Leinster Regiment, which was based at Crinkle, is to be granted the Freedom of the Belgian City of Ledegem later this year to mark the 90th anniversary of the liberation of Ledegem by the Regiment.
  The 2nd Battalion, also known as the Birr Battalion, was one of the oldest battalions of the Leinsters and many people from South Offaly and the surrounding areas joined the regiment.
  The Freedom of the City is the greatest tribute of respect that is in the power of a municipality to offer any person or organisation and the Burgemeester and Eldermen of Ledegem in West Flanders have proposed that the award be presented to the Leinster Regiment to coincide with the 90th anniversary commemoration on October 12th of the liberation of the town by the regiment during World War 1.
  It was on October 14th 1918, during the initial phase of the Battle of Courtrai, that the 2nd Battalion Leinster Regiment, as part of the 29th Dvision  (II Corps) liberated Legegem, a town then heavily defended by the German Forces. Not long after the Great War, as part of the British Governments re-organisation of its army, the Leinster Regiment, along with all the other Southern Irish regiments, was disbanded and the connection between Ledegem and the Leinster Regiment was consigned to a brief mention in hostory. Not so, however, for the community of Ledegem, that never forgot its gratitude to this Regiment from Ireland and has maintained its linke with the descendants of those soldiders through the Regiment's Association.
  Now 90 years later the people of Ledegem have asked the Regimental Association to accept, on behalf of the Regiment, the Freedom of the City, and to march into Ledegem 'with drums beating, colours flying and bayonets fixed'.
  The Burgemeester of Ledegem, Bart Dochy, in a letter to the Association wrote 'we would like to thank and honour all those men who lost their young lives in Ledegem . . . we want to give this award as a sign of deep respect and in gratitude to the courage and strong engagement from the Leinsters.'
  Sean Cooke from Crinkle, who is PRO of the Leinster Regimental Association in Ireland, said it is the first time that such an honour has been bestowed on a regiment.
  He said that he regularly gets people calling to his home looking for the history of Crinkle Barracks and information about the Regiment and people who served in it. He said he is delighted to be able to refer them to Birr Libary, which now has a lot of material and records about the Regiment and anyone can go in there and read the information about the Regiment. He paid tribute to County Librarian Ann Coughlan and the Library staff for all their help in setting up the Leinster Regiment part of the library.
  Sean said that a lot of members of the Leinster Regiment were locals and said this is a great honour for them and all their descendants. He described it as groundbreaking and said of all the 39 irish Regiments over a period of 200 years, this is the first time that such an honour has been given to one of them.
  The Prince of Wales's Leinster Regiment (Royal Canadians) was formed as the 1st and 2nd Battalions in 1881 with the amalgamation of the 100th and 109th Regiments of Foot. The Regimental Home Depot was in Crinkle.
  During World War I, the Regiment had seven battalions, four of which, 1st, 2nd, 6th and 7th, between them saw action on the Western Front, Gallipoli, Serbia, Macedonia and Palestine. 
  During the liberation of Ledegem by the 2nd Battlalion on October 14th, 1918, two members of the Battalion, Sgt. John O'Neil and Private Martin Moffatt performed deeds that resulted in the award of the Victoria Cross.
  On June 12th, 1922, the Regiment along with the other Southern Irish Regiments were disbanded as part of the Reduction in Establishment recommended by the Geddes Committee. Veterans of the Leinster Regiment maintained the Regimental Association until there were too few surviving original members remaining alive and at this time the administration of the Association passed to the descendants of the veterans.
  The Municipality of Ledegem has a population of just under 10,000 and is located 15km east of Ieper (known as Ypres during WW1. During that war the town was occupied from 1914 by the German Army for four years, during which time they established Ledegem as a major supply depot and hospital town. While under occupation 14 citizens of Ledegem were executived for aiding the Allies. 
  In the closing stages of the War, at the start of the Battle of Courtrai, Ledegem lay directly in the path of the advancing II Corps making its capture and liberation critical to the continued advance of the British II Army. There were three Victoria Crosses awarded for action during the liberation of Ledegem and two of those went to soldiers in the Leinster Regiment.
  Of the 1,126 allied soldiers that were killed in action during this period and that are buried in the three Commonwealth War Grave Cemeteries in the area, over 300 were from Irish Regiments.
  Now the actions of the Leinster Regiment in freeing Ledegem are to be recognised with the Freedom of the City next October.

1/5/2008
Bank Of Ireland Birr Retains National Title 

Bank of Ireland Birr has retained the title of 'Business Banking Retail Branch of the Year' at the 2008 National Excellence Awards. This is the second year in a row that the branch has won this prestigious award that recognises the retail branch that has made the most significant contribution in delivering products and services to its customers as well as achieving excellent standards of customer service. 
  This is the 6th year of the National Excellence Awards that are designed to recognise outstanding performance in three key areas of Bank of Ireland's banking business – customer service, sales and people. 
  Commenting on the Award, Seamus Pierce, Branch Manager, said, 'It is fantastic to be recognised at national level and a huge honour to retain the title for two years in a row. This success is thanks to the hard work and commitment of the team here in the branch who have worked very hard in the last 12 months to achieve this result. Because we know the value of quality service we will continually strive to improve our proposition for the Birr community and businesses we serve'. 
  Speaking at the Awards, Richie Boucher, Chief Executive Retail Financial Services at Bank of Ireland said: 'The Excellence Awards give us a platform to recognise individuals and teams who have excelled throughout the year, while also acknowledging the leadership and professionalism in the branches and business units they represent. This is a terrific accolade for Seamus and his team at Birr and I wish them continued success'. 

1/5/2008
Excellent Standard Of Entries In Castle Photographic Competition

The Official Exhibition, launch and Awards ceremony of the Birr Castle Demesne Public Photography Exhibition and competition took place last Friday at the Exhibition Gallery in the Historic Science Centre. 
  Speaking on the occasion, Jennifer Pike PRO, welcomed everyone to the first ever Public Photography Competition at Birr Castle Demesne. She remarked on behalf of those who contributed to the event that such an Exhibition would not have been possible without those who inspired it.
  Lady Rosse reiterated these sentiments adding, 'We could not have put on such an event with similar interest without our friends over the years who have shared our passion for the gardens and expressed it through beautiful photography.'  On behalf those who helped to contribute to the successful inaugural Public Photography Exhibition at the Castle Demesne Jennifer added further, 'We wish to thank all of the participants in the competition, for contributing to the creation of a charming exhibition which will remembered, it is hoped, for many years to come.' 
  Thanks were also extended sincerely to the judges who adjudicated on a very high standard of entries. 'We would also like to extend a sincere thank you to our judges, Marc Doyle, Jeff Harvey, Chris Sprucefield and Lady Rosse, who have volunteered their time to make some very difficult adjudication decisions given the level of talent on display here today. We thank also Shane Hollywood, Jimmy Bennett, Naomi Mooney and Philomena Jordan, who created the exhibition display. Sponsorship for the event was provided and made available by Emma Nee of Birr Theatre & Arts Centre, The Irish Game and Country Fair, The Birr Scientific and Heritage Foundation and the Courtyard Café.'
  The enthusiasm of the public entries must have been endemic because the staff also got enthusiastically involved displaying their very own photographic works of the Castle Gardens and its majestic environs. It was inevitable, therefore, that a separate and well spirited  rivalry sprung up amongst the staff who endeavoured to capture the heart of the Demesne through their cameras. 
  Professional photographer, Jeff Harvey, whose pictures of the Birr Castle Gardens have received much acclaim, remarked candidly, 'I am truly astonished, to say the least, with regard to the standard on display here today. It certainly can be said without hesitation that the standard here today would have anyone under the belief that these photographs were carried out by professionals. People's abilities truly amaze me at times. The works here on display here contain some truly astonishing moments captured in time. I hope people take the opportunity to view these photographs and find them as inspiring as I have.'
  There were a number of categories of prizes up for grabs at the Exhibition, amongst them were The Grand Overall Prize which included an Award Certificate, Friends of the Demesne One Year family Membership, two tickets to the Birr Theatre - a show of their choice, Family Pass to the Irish Game and Country Fair (30th-31st August) and Cream tea for two in the Courtyard Café. The Grand Overall Prize went to David Manzor for a stunning photograph depicting a convoy of ducks on the Lake of the Demesne in the process of taking flight. The image was quite profound in that it was equally viewable inverted as it was right side up. The photographer had captured a quite unique effect whereby the clouds were reflected in the glassy lake and were spread out amongst the ripples. It was a fusion of motion capturing in time forever a magical moment. The photo was also in black and white. 
  Launching the Exhibition was the Chairman of the Birr Town Council, Cllr Michael Loughnane, who also expressed many plaudits on the standard of the entries, some of whom were close colleagues and friends he has known for many years. 'I hope this will become a annual event, as you can see for yourself the standard is obvious and very high.'
  Judge Jeff Harvey concluded the event with the remarks, 'Everyone here desires a round of the applause. They have put in great effort in these displays. It is just unfortunate that we have to pick out a winner amongst so many excellent entries. The decisions were very difficult to make which reflects the standard on display here today. Everyone who put photographs on display here today is, in my opinion, a winner. This exhibition will be on display at the Castle for the following two months and I sincerely recommend that people drop in to take a look.'
  On a final note, PRO Jennifer Pike remarked that all competition winners who were not at Friday's launch can pick up their prizes at the reception desk at the Castle Demesne. 
  The other prize results were as follows: Best Landscape - Patrick O'Meara, Wildlife Award - Nora Skehan, Flora Award - Margaret O'Farrell, Creativity Award - Carol Kennedy, Heritage Award - Martin Spillane, Staff Award - Jennifer Pike. 

1/5/2008
Late Mr Ger Dunne, Birr

The death took place last week of Ger Dunne, Moorpark Street, Birr. Ger was a well known and much respected solicitor working in Birr who had been suffering from an illness for the last two years.
  Ger was only 50 years of age when he passed away and there was a very large turnout for his Funeral Mass in St Brendan's Catholic Church on Thursday morning last.
  He began working in Tom Enright's solicitor's practice in 1976 in a secretarial capacity. Next, he was indentured as an apprentice solicitor and when he eventually qualified went to work in the Department of Posts and Telegraphs, GPO, Dublin.
  This department split into An Post and Eircom and the Birr solicitor worked with An Post.
  After several years he returned to Birr where he worked in Tom Enright's practice once more, this time as an assistant solicitor.
  He also worked for several years in Carlow Town with Willie Clarke in Clarke Jeffers Solicitors. During this period he commuted every day between Birr and Carlow.
  Ger set up his own practice on Castle Street, Birr in 2000 and he established a substantial and well respected practice here which is called Gerard Dunne & Co. Michael Deegan, legal executive, and Bridget Sullivan, receptionist, continue to work in the practice.
  'We have built up a good practice,' commented Michael, 'and we are located in lovely offices. We want to keep the practice going.'
  Ger grew up in Castle Street, the son of Edward and Josephine. Edward originally came from Killoughey near Kilcormac.  Ger had two brothers, Charles, who lives in Waterford and Eamon who lives in Kilkenny.
  He married Jackie née Cloonan, also from Birr, and they had two children, Rory and Laura. Rory, who is 23 years of age, is presently doing a postgraduate course in Trinity College Dublin, and Laura is 12  years of age.
  Ger's hobbies included music and gardening. He loved playing the piano and would play different musical genres and his garden drew the admiration of those he showed it to. Ger took pleasure in cycling as well and often could be seen biking around the town and environs. He also had an interest in history and was a member of the Birr branch of Fine Gael.
  Amongst the large attendance at last week's funeral were a large representation of the local legal profession and former district court Judge Michael Reilly and present district court Judge Derek McVeigh. All the solicitors offices in Birr closed on Thursday as a mark or respect.
  In his sermon Fr Michael Reddan said Ger was a very sociable and companionable person. He also enjoyed respect from the clients that he represented in court. Sometimes Ger would travel a long distance to represent just one client in court, would sit through the court session all day, and be told at day's end that there wasn't enough time to hear his case, that it would have to be adjourned. Ger was a compassionate person who wanted to see his clients amend their behaviour and go on to live with troublefree behaviour.
  Fr Reddan said he had come to know Ger well over the last six months and they had enjoyed many conversations together.
  'Ger was a good friend of mine,' commented Tom Enright, 'and I thought he was a very fine solicitor. He was a friendly person to meet at all times.'
  Michael Deegan recalled that Ger was a man of wit and humour, that he was 'a man of the people who treated every client in the same way.'

1/5/2008
Birr News Digest

Alzheimer Society Tea Day
  The Alzheimer Society of Ireland will be hosting a Tea Day at Birr Resource Centre on Thursday, 1st May between 10a.m. and 3p.m. All are welcome and there will be a raffle and some nice refreshments to be had also, so please call in. All are very welcome.

Wilmer Tennis Club AGM
  The AGM of the Wilmer Tennis Club has been rescheduled for this Wednesday night April 30th at 8p.m. in the clubhouse. Last week's meeting was postponed as a mark of respect following the death of Ellen Horrigan, mother of former Club President, Eileen Delaney. Sympathy is extended to the family on their loss.
  All members are requested to attend the AGM. This is when decisions are made and you can have your say in the running of your club, so a good attendance would be appreciated.

Birr Town Summer Soccer Camp
  Birr Town FC Summer Soccer Camp is being held this year from the 7th to the 11th July at Woodfield Park. Open to girls and boys aged 7-15 this is always a very popular camp. Application forms are now in the Birr Post Office, Kilcormac and Banagher post office. You can also book online at www.fai.ie or call 1890 653653. Don't forget you get a free personalised jersey when you book before May 15th, 2008. Don't be disappointed apply now, any local information call (086) 8892429.

Birr Theatre & Arts Centre
  On Friday 2nd May Liam Kirwan, local comedian, performs 'A Tribute to Comedy Legends' with MC Mr Will O’Callaghan. All proceeds will be donated to Lynn Brophy’s participation with the Serve project in the Phillipines. Serve strives to improve the lives of all people, especially impoverished young people in the developing world.  
  Legitimate Bodies Dance Company, in conjunction with Bealtaine Festival presents the first in the series of Movement To Music Classes for Senior Citizens on Tuesday 6th May. These will take place every Tuesday for four weeks and are gentle movement sessions that bring benefits for joint mobility, posture and muscular tone while stimulating the creative mind. You are not too old to be young!
  The Bealtaine Festival Film on Thursday 8th and Friday 9th May is Grow Your Own, set on an allotment in the North of England where a bunch of grumpy old men spend their days nurturing their beloved allotments. When a family of asylum seekers from China move in the locals are less than happy. With its focus on community and a determination to challenge British fears of being swamped by immigrants, the movie has a contemporary feel. 
  Box office opens 1p.m.-5.30p.m. Monday-Friday. Contact (057) 9122911 or check out www.birrtheatre.com for further details.

Rambles In Eireann
  Sunday, 4th May meet at 2.00pm in the Kilcormac Community Centre car park for the Lough Farmlands Loop walk. This is a fairly easy two hour 7km walk on level farm tracks. Tea afterwards in Feighery's Kilcormac. 
  Subscriptions are now due. These are: family - €25, single €18 or €3 per walk. These membership fees go mainly to fund the Group Public Liability Insurance Policy.
  Visit our website : www.ramblesineirinn.org .

Birr Active Retirement Group
  Birr Active Retirement Group storytelling in Birr Library on Thursday May 1st at 10.30a.m. after Mass in St Brendan's Church. All are welcome.

Social Dancing
  Social Dancing in Rath Community Hall on Thursday May 1st. Music by Dermot Lyons.

Emporium At The Stables
  Emporium At The Stables, Oxmantown Mall, Birr. Home furnishings, gifts and tea rooms. In conjunction with the launch of our customer loyalty card, come and enjoy a night of 'Me' time in the Summertime. Ladies Retail Therapy Night Thursday May 8th from 7p.m. to 10p.m. Tel (057) 9120263. www.thestablesbirr.com (advert).

First Anniversary Sale
  Zandra Fashion House and Zandra 2, Main Street Birr, first anniversary sale starts today Wednesday April 30th. See Page 3 for details (advert).

To Russia With Love
  Well done to Alice Williams and all who took part in the 'To Russia With Love' walk on Sunday, April 6th.  The very impressive total of €10,100 'and counting'!) was raised for this very worthy event. 

Birr Employment Options
  Are you interested in improving your confidence upskilling or getting back into the workforce?
  West Offaly Partnership/FAS will be starting its sixth employment options course on the 19th May 2008. This is a Fetac level 4 course
  This course runs as a full time 26 week programme, Monday to Friday 9.30a.m. to 4.30p.m. The course is open to men and women aged 16 to 64. Course content will include Communications, Maths, Personal Development, Computers, Prep for work and much more. Places are limited. The programme is free of charge; There is a training and childcare allowance available for eligible candidates (FAS terms and conditions apply). Should you require any further information please contact Carmel Ormond, West Offaly Partnership, Bridge St. Birr or phone (057) 91 21155.

Book Club
  The next book club meeting will be held on Monday, 12th May. The book for this month is 'The Last Coyote' by Michael Connelly (chosen by Sandra). New members welcome. Enquiries to (057) 91 39028.  

Birr Tidy Towns Sponsored Walk
  Birr Tidy Towns Annual Sponsored Walk will take place on Wednesday, 30th April at 7.15p.m. Those participating will meet in Emmet Square. They will then walk from the Square to Birr Castle and commence the five kilometre walk in the Castle grounds. 
  Tidy Towns intend to do a water feature on the Mill Island and provide street furniture. They have planted white thorn trees at Sandymount, Bridge Street and the Crescent. Also included in their 2008 plan is upgrading unsightly areas. They need the support of the people of Birr. The cost of the water feature will be approximately €4,000, street furniture €1,000. Their long term goal is to install the railings in Emmet Square and install a sculpture whose theme should have relevance to Birr Town. Please support them financially and physically in their endeavours.  

Crinkill Handball And Recreation Centre Table Quiz
   Crinkle Handball and Recreation Centre are holding a table quiz in Milne's Pub Crinkle on Friday May 2nd at 9p.m. Everyone welcome.
  
Childminder Network Night
  Childminder network night will take place on 8th May at 7.30p.m. in Tullamore. The night will consist of discussion on Childminding policies and procedures, followed by talk on beauty care. If you would to attend please phone Fiona on (057) 93 70630. 

Information Session On Childminder Tax
  Free Information session on the Childminder Tax exemption will take place on the 14th May at 7.30p.m. in the Jobs Club in Birr. If you would like to attend please phone Fiona on (057) 9370630.

Music Nights At The Chestnut 
  Music event on Wednesday nights at the Chestnut (Advert).  

Social Dance
  Mike Denver will be playing in the County Arms Hotel on Monday, 5th May at 10a.m. in aid of the Alzheimer Society of Ireland. All proceeds will go to providing Home Care, Respite and Day Care for those who suffer from Alzheimer's/Dementia in the Offaly area. Your support would be much appreciated. Their office is based at No. 2 St John's Place, Birr, Co. Offaly.  You can contact them at (057) 91 25909.

Birr Social Club
  Darts tournament in aid of the IHCPT sponsored by Brian Whalehan, nightly prizes sponsored by Jim Cashen, John Reedy and Simon Whelehan. Only two matches played this week with Brosna Lodge (2) beating K. Flannerys 14-9 and P. Ryans bt Brosna Lodge (2) 14-11.
Raffle Winners - K. Flannery, R. Cannon, P. Daly, G. O'Meara.
  This week sees the last two quarter finals between Brosna Lodge (1) and the Swan Bar and Bulldogs v M. Lyons. Next week the two semi-finals will be played with the final on that weekend.

Birr Active Retired 
  Next meeting of the Birr Active Retired takes place on the 8th May at 7.30p.m. Bealtaine Festival Celebration in the Birr Library each Thursday in May at 10.30am.

Sunrise Golf Society
  Next outing on the 3rd May in Birr Golf Club in aid of the Lourdes Fund. All members please try to attend.  

Camcor Bridge Club
  Results as follows 1st Nett Colette O'Brien, Margaret Feehan; Gross Liz Edge, Judy Craig; 2nd Nett John Gilmartin, Theresa Kelly.  

Birr Mart
  Bullocks; LIM 595, €1,145; AA 415, €775; 3 LIM 483, €905; CH 540, €925; 2 LIM 355, €675; LIM 535, €980; BB 480, €855; 4 LIM 369, €640; HER 425, €785; CH 495, €900.
  Heifers; CH 545, €960; 5 CH 238, €550; SIM 345, €740; SIM 470, €880; HER 470, €770; 4 CH 463, €905; LIM 510, €915; 2 CH 473, €895; CH 390, €810; LIM 585, €985; 3 CH 280, €600; 2 SIM 433, €795.
  Dry Cows;  FR 610, €660; AA 540, €630; BB 550, €825; CH 570, €720.
  Sale as usual next Monday, 5th May, Bank Holiday Monday.

Highfield Utd Lotto
  Numbers drawn in this week's Highfield United lotto were 2, 7, 24, 28. No jackpot winner and two match three winners each receive €75 Marian Grainger, c/o T. Grainger, Judy Cooney, c/o A. Cooney. Next week's jackpot is €10,400 and the draw takes place in the Cherry Tree.  Thanks to Craughwells this week.  

Marian Hall Notes
  Bingo; The jackpot on Friday night last was not won. The jackpot next Friday night is €3,000 on 46 calls with a top game of €300 if not won.  Calling as usual at 8.30pm sharp.
  Progressive 25 Drive; Two pairs shared top prize with 11 games on Sunday night last Joe Cantwell and Peter Darcy, Kieran Daly and Elsie O'Halloran. Jack Corrigan and Adi O'Donoghue shared third place. The last game was won by Jack Maher and Stephen Lonergan, while Michael Carroll and Ramie Horan got the table prize. Raffle prizes were won by Dan Foley, Peter Darcy and Jimmy Dolan. Cards continue on Sunday night with a jackpot of €100 on 14 games starting at 9p.m. sharp.  

Birr Town Lotto
  Numbers drawn in the Birr Town FC lotto this week were 19, 21, 23, 27, bonus 16. No jackpot winner and one match three winner Eddie Nevin, New Road gets €200. Next week's jackpot is €4,800 with the star prize of €7,800. Next week's draw will take place in Nolans. Thank you all for your continued support of the lotto draw.  

Riverside Summer Camp Birr Rugby Club
  Registration Day is on Saturday, May 3rd. Playdays Playschool, Emmet Street, Birr 9.30a.m.-11.30a.m. Age 4-9 years. For more information contact Anne (086) 1954743.  

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 coming Thursday 1st May the Alzheimer’s Society are holding their Annual Coffee Morning here, this is a very worthy cause please show your support and drop in for a cuppa everyone welcome.
   Judy Pearsons art class has reconvened on Tuesdays from 12.30 pm to 3.30 pm.
  For more information please call 0579121912 or email birrresourcecentre@eircom.net 

Weight Watchers
  Weight Watchers Birr (086) 6086067, Dooly's Hotel, Wednesdays. Class times 11.30a.m. and 12.45p.m. Evenings 5.15p.m. and 6.30p.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 Offaly Cancer Support Group
  Birr Outreach Service is located in Health Centre, St John's Terrace. Open on Tuesdays from 10.30a.m. to 2p.m. They offer support and information to people living with cancer and their families and friends. Drop in for a chat and a cuppa. All welcome. Totally confidential.
  Volunteers needed. Training provided. Application forms can be obtained from Teach Dochas on (057) 93 28268.

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)

1/5/2008
Bealtaine Festival Events At Birr Theatre & Arts Centre

Bealtaine is the Irish national arts festival celebrating creativity in older age. It takes place each May countrywide and involves thousands of participants in events in every art form. Taking its name from the ancient Celtic festival celebrating Springtime, Bealtaine celebrates renewal, creativity and growth in ageing. Bealtaine is co-ordinated by Age & Opportunity - the national organisation working to promote greater participation by older people in society.
  On Tuesday 6th May Legitimate Bodies Dance Company in conjunction with Bealtaine Festival presents the first in the series of Movement to Music classes for senior citizens. These will take place every Tuesday for four weeks and are gentle movement sessions that bring benefits for joint mobility, posture and muscular tone while stimulating the creative mind. You are not too old to be young!
11.30a.m.– 12.45p.m. €5 (pay for four classes get T-Dance free on 29th May)  
  The Bealtaine Festival Film being shown on Thursday 8th & Friday 9h May is Grow Your Own directed by Richard Laxton. It is set on an allotment in the North of England where a bunch of grumpy old men spend their days nurturing their beloved allotments, whilst passing comment on their neighbours’ vegetables. When a family of asylum seekers from China move in on their precious patch the locals are less than happy.With its focus on community and a determination to challenge British fears of being swamped by immigrants, the movie has a contemporary feel.  
(West Offaly Community Transport Bus arrives in Birr by 11a.m. from Rath/Kilcormac, Kinnitty, Banagher)
Thursday 8th May, 8p.m. Friday 9th May, 11a.m. €7/5/3 (in celebration of Bealtaine Festival senior citizens €3)
  To celebrate Bealtaine 2008, Offaly Poet Eileen Casey will read at Birr Theatre & Arts Centre on Friday 16th May. Twice short-listed for a Sunday Tribune Hennessy Award, poetry (2004) and fiction (2005), she is a regular contributor to Senior Times. Much of Eileen’s poetry draws on the richness of her growing up in the Midlands. Colourful characters and humorous memoir create the landscape for her early work, forming a well the poet constantly returns to for inspiration.  
  A poetry collection The Wolf’s Door is due for publication in June, 2008.
  (West Offaly Community Transport Bus arrives in Birr by 11a.m. from Rath/Kilcormac, Kinnitty, Banagher). 11.15a.m. €8 (in celebration of Bealtaine Festival senior citizens €5)   
  Based on the novel by P.J. O’Connor The Tailor And Ansty performed by The New Theatre:Dublin comes to Birr Theatre & Arts Centre on Friday 16th May. The Tailor, Timothy Buckley, was a great storyteller and he and his wife, Ansty, used to hold court in their house near Gougane Barra in West Cork, welcoming all and providing food and drink. All human life is here – marriages, inquests, matchmaking, wakes – and always the Tailor, his wife and their black cow. When the ban, imposed by the State Censorship Board in 1942 was lifted, Cross’s novel about their life was adapted by P.J. O’Connor and was first performed in The Peacock theatre in 1967.  
This latest production has played to enthusiastic audiences throughout the country since its opening in July 2005. 8p.m. €16/14 (To celebrate Bealtaine Festival older persons group rate available)
  An Afternoon Tea Dance in conjunction with Bealtaine Festival takes place on Thursday 29th May.  Bring yesteryear back to life in this unique opportunity to socialise and dance to nostalgic music. And if you don’t know the steps, just come and have a cup of tea! Short performances from Legitimate Bodies members and Offaly Youth Dance will provide great entertainment too.
4p.m.- 5.30p.m. €5.

1/5/2008
Birr Dancer To Feature On RTE

As Part of the Dublin Dance Festival 2008, RTE and the Arts Council has come together to bring television viewers four short dance films called Dance on the Box.
  Birr based dancer Nick Bryson of Legitimate Bodies Dance Company will feature in a short dance film called Monitor on Thursday May 1st at 11.15pm on RTE2.
   The last time RTE collaborated with the Dublin Dance Festival on this type of project the films were watched by over half a million people and went on to over thirty dance and film festivals around the world.
  Since establishing in Offaly eight months ago, Nick and Cristina from Legitmate Bodies have been making their mark not only locally but nationally and internationally. They have recently returned from performing in Mexico and Cristina has won a prestigious place on the Dance Web European Scholarship Programme in Vienna. Locally they will showcase the work of the Offaly Youth Dance Company on May 15th and also host a Tea Dance for the Bealtaine festival on May 29th, both at Birr Theatre and Arts Centre.

1/5/2008
Super Blues Enjoy Day In The Sun As They Outclass The Masters

Tullamore 3-9 Birr 0-15

TULLAMORE sensationally rallied with three second half goals to deservedly defeat All-Ireland finalists Birr in an enthralling Senior Hurling Championship encounter in Moystown on Saturday last.
  When Dylan Hayden sent over a superb point to put Birr 0-14 to 1-8 ahead with three minutes remaining in the second half, Tullamore looked to be drifting inevitably towards defeat but they never panicked, kept trying to do the right thing and goals from Shane Dooley and Francis Kerrigan in the dying minutes sealed an unlikely but merited win.
  A sensational game of hurling that provided magnificent entertainment for the passionate crowd had enough twists and turns worthy of a novel and the climax was fitting of a thriller. With an unseasonal sun beating down on Moystown on a perfect evening for hurling and a double header at the venue for the opening of the Championship, there certainly was a festive atmosphere at the game.
  For Tullamore, the win represents a sensational turnaround after a mediocre couple of years and player/manager Kevin Martin will argue that this team has taken time to build and is now coming together nicely for the championship. The signs of that were there last year when they produced a brilliant second half display to see-off the challenge of Kilcormac/Killoughey in the group stages. Birr were their conquerors in the quarter-finals however and they went all the way to a seventh Leinster final before succumbing to Portumna in the All-Ireland decider.
  The opening round of the SHC promised excitement and despite having taken a break since the defeat to Portumna on St. Patrick’s Day, Birr would have been warm favourites to see off the challenge of Tullamore. Throw in the absence of Brian Whelahan and add in the nugget that Birr had yet to finalise their management prior to the game and the signs were definitely there. No game, however, is won on paper and Tullamore produced three goals in a scintillating second half display to condemn Birr to consecutive competitive defeats.
  Tullamore battled hard and hassled Birr all afternoon, they certainly took heart from a first half where Birr failed to capture their best form of the Club Championship run. After a sluggish opening ten minutes, the Blues came to life and did well to turn over a 0-5 to 0-2 deficit into a single point margin but couldn’t level by the break and fell another point behind.
  Despite playing some fine hurling, it was clear that Birr were not at their best but Tullamore showed them too much respect in the opening quarter. Late on in the half they were tenacious in defence and gave the opposition nothing, conceding just once despite suffering a sustained period of Birr pressure.
  Tullamore steadied the ship in the second half and Francis Kerrigan opened the scoring within seconds of the restart to give them a much needed lift. Kerrigan incidentally hadn’t his best game ever but he is still young and learning at this level.
  Indeed it was Tullamore who had more of the goal threat in the second half and Birr seemed happy to rely on Simon Whelahan’s frees to keep them in front. Tullamore eventually prised open the Birr defence five minutes into the second half when Dooley lobbed a free for Kevin Martin to snatch from the air and bury into the net.
  The goal was vital for Tullamore but Birr replied with two Whelahan frees to retake the lead. Once the game entered its final ten minutes the sides were still inseparable, that was until Birr hit three quick scores in three minutes to propel into a three point lead. But the Tullamore heads didn’t drop and they sensed that a victory was still on the cards. Shane Dooley struck home a 21m free to level the proceedings and even when Tullamore went a point in the arrears in stoppage time, Francis Kerrigan wouldn’t settle for a draw and went for goal after Martin’s deft touch put him in.
  Kerrigan’s goal and Dooley’s late free secured the dramatic win for a Tullamore side who must now press on and secure victories against Lusmagh and Drumcullen to top the group and give themselves a great chance of getting to the semi-finals.
  Tullamore’s fullback line of Mark Conlon, Cillian Bane and Stephen Egan were solid all evening and never really looked under duress during the game. With James Keane still to come back into the side – he was left as an unused substitute due to Offaly’s Division 4 League Final on Sunday – Tullamore can add further steel to an already solid looking backline. Wingback Ger Treacy put in an outstanding display and he delivered telling balls inside during the latter stages. In midfield, Jody Duffy was immense throughout and had to work hard to find space in the centre and it was his pass inside that saw Martin flick onto Kerrigan for the winning goal.
  Elsewhere Shane Kelly was threatening throughout and scored two brilliant points at stages when Tullamore needed them most. Captain Shaun Martin also worked tirelessly and showed real character and was unfortunate not to score himself. Kevin Martin proved extremely useful in the second half where he was involved in all three goals - scoring the first, winning the free for the second and setting up the third – while Shane Dooley had a brilliant hour and was an underlying reason to why Tullamore won.
  The defeat certainly won’t end Birr’s ambitions this season of retaining their Offaly and Leinster crown and they usually don’t hit their best form until when it really matters in August, September. Kilcormac/Killoughey came close last year but didn’t have quality to the Kingpins of Offaly hurling over the past two decades but the result will give hope to clubs around the county who want to challenge Birr for their crown.
  On the day Rory Hanniffy was as solid as ever in the backline but Paul Cleary was outshone by Martin in the second half and Barry and Simon Whelahan had their usual influence on the side. Sean Ryan was one of Birr’s better forwards in the first half and looked threatening but was withdrawn in the second period. Dylan Hayden -Birr’s most prolific forward after Whelahan - scored 0-6 from play and did really well in a second half that Tullamore upped the ante.
  Early in the first half, it looked like going according to the script. Simon Whelahan settled the early nerves for Birr with a free and seven minutes later Paul O’Meara exchanged passes with Brian Watkins before pointing to give Birr the initiative. Crucially however, Tullamore showed no fear and began to get to grips with Birr in all areas of the field. Shane Dooley was clearly on top of his free taking and two placed balls in as many minutes had Tullamore level by the 14th minute, 0-2 apiece.
  The County champions may have been short of match sharpness since their All-Ireland final six weeks ago but they certainly were not lacking quality and a three minute salvo had Tullamore in arrears once more. Sean Ryan gathered a defensive clearance to point before Brian Mullins found Dylan Hayden from a puck out and the wing-forward slotted over.
Hayden and Tullamore’s Shane Kelly swapped scores and then Shane Dooley opened his account from play to leave a point between the sides, 0-5 to 0-4, with six minutes remaining until half time. Birr dominated the remainder until the break but significantly scored only once more and never posed a serious goal threat inside. They laboured frustratingly inside the Tullamore half and were made work hard for a clear cut chance thanks to some tenacious Blues defending. Gary Hanniffy’s only score of the tie was enough to keep Birr in front - if not comfortably - at the interval, leading by 0-6 to 0-4 at the break.
  It was imperative that Tullamore got a good start in the second half and did not allow Birr to pull away as they had done in last years quarter-final, and they reduced the gap to the minimum from the stick of Francis Kerrigan a minute after the restart. A Simon Whelahan free cancelled out the previous score and reinstated the two point lead before Tullamore took the lead for the first time with the games’ opening goal.
  The decision was taken at the break to move Kevin Martin to the edge of the square and bring Edwin Finnerty further outfield and it paid in the 5th minute of the second half. Shane Dooley lofted a high free in from midfield and, rolling back the years, Martin snatched the ball from the clouds, turned and rifled past the helpless Mullins to the roar of the travelling Tullamore contingent.
  Birr looked shaken but by no means beaten. They responded through a brace of Whelahan frees to take a slender lead but Finnerty – who had temporarily taken up the free taking responsibilities after Dooley was forced to leave the field because of a blood injury – levelled the game from a placed ball.
  As the game entered its final quarter nothing was between the sides, either on the field or the scoreboard, and Paul O’Meara found the range for Birr before Shane Kelly doubled his tally to keep Tullamore firmly in the game. The next score was a big one and it went to Tullamore but Birr responded immediately leaving the match finely poised at 1-8 to 0-11 in the 50th minute.
But as befits all great sides, Birr have the tremendous ability to close out a tight game and it seemed that they had done just that when they steamrollered Tullamore for the next five minutes. Fine points from Whelahan and Hayden edged Birr ahead and after Mullins did brilliantly to deny Shane Kelly a breakaway goal, Hayden again cut inside from his right wing and sent over, putting Birr in a commanding position with three minutes to play.
  Three points down against the Offaly and Leinster Champions, Tullamore needed to cook up something special to knock Birr off their perch. Birr seemed nervous in the final minutes, and they were punished for indecision in the backline in the 59th minute when Shane Kelly played in Kevin Martin who was taken out by a Birr defender.
  It left Shane Dooley with a chance to draw his side back level from 21m and – just as his uncle Johnny did from a similar position against Limerick in the 1994 All-Ireland final - the Offaly star held his nerve under pressure and fired a rocket into the roof of the net, making it 2-8 to 0-14 and it acted as a catalyst to propel Tullamore to a victory they sensed. Birr immediately retaliated and availed of some slackness in the Tullamore defence when they intercepted and Hayden was on hand to score as the match ticked into its second minute of stoppage time.
  But Tullamore had enough left in the tank for one final push and some scintillating passing further outfield gave Jody Duffy time to pick out Martin 21m from goal. The full-forward and manager of the team made a deft lay off for Francis Kerrigan who stole in behind the cover and gave Mullins no chance with a fantastic finish past the ‘keeper. Fittingly the final say went to that man, Dooley, as he landed over a free from 65m to make Tullamore only the second team this year to beat the yardstick of Offaly and Leinster hurling in recent times.
The scorers-
  Tullamore: Shane Dooley (1-5, 1-4f); Francis Kerrigan (1-1); Kevin Martin (1-0); Shane Kelly (0-2); Edwin Finnerty (0-1, 0-1f).
  Birr: Simon Whelahan (0-6, 0-5f); Dylan Hayden (0-5); Paul O’Meara (0-2); Sean Ryan, Gary Hanniffy (0-1 each).
  TULLAMORE: Damien Fox, Mark Conlon, Cillian Bane, Stephen Egan, Nigel Mannion, Brendan Dagg, Ger Treacy, Jody Duffy, Peter Kelly, Shane Kelly, Kevin Martin, Shaun Martin, Edwin Finnerty, Shane Dooley, Francis Kerrigan. Sub: Anthony Heffernan (for Peter Kelly, 50 mins).
  BIRR: Brian Mullins, J.P. O’Meara, Barry Harding , Michael Verney, Brian Watkins, Rory Hanniffy, Niall Claffey, Barry Whelahan, Paul Molloy, Dylan Hayden, Gary Hanniffy, Sean Ryan, Simon Whelahan, Paul O’Meara, Michael Dwane. Subs: Stephen Brown (for Sean Ryan, 39 mins); Aaron Whelahan (for Michael Dwane 52 mins).
  REFEREE: C. Buckley (Clara).

1/5/2008
Birr Hope To Have New Management Team By End Of Week

Birr hope to have a new senior hurling management team appointed before the end of this week.
  An interim management team took charge of last Saturday's opening game in the senior hurling championship but the club hope to be in a position to appoint a new manager later this week.
  Pat Joe Whelahan had announced that he was stepping down after the All-Ireland Club Final on St Patrick's Day but efforts were made to get him to stay on. Initially it appeared he was going to stay on but he then decided to stick to his original decision and the club asked Gary Cahill and Noel Hogan to take charge of the team on an interim basis for last Saturday's game.
  Rumours persisted over the weekend that Pat Joe might still come back but Birr Club secretary Eamon O'Meara told the Tribune on Monday that he had no official confirmation of that. He said he had also heard the rumours but said he hadn't spoken to Pat Joe and thought a lot what was being said was just 'idle talk'. He said he didn't know if Pat Joe Whelahan was still interested in the post.
  However, he did say that the club hoped to have the position sorted out one way or the other before the end of the week. He said Gary Cahill and Noel Hogan were appointed for the game against Tullamore while the club were in the process of sorting out the position long term. He said they wanted to get the position sorted quickly so that they could get back training and be prepared for the remainder of the championship.
  Following their loss to Tullamore on Saturday, Birr can't afford any more slip ups in their games against Lusmagh and Drumcullen. Despite Saturday's defeat, they can still qualify from the group but will have to win their next two games. Whoever takes over as manager will have no room for slip ups but Birr have the ability to bounce back and should still figure prominently in the remainder of the Offaly championship.
  A new manager will have a hard act to follow as Pat Joe Whelahan has had a remarkable record in charge of Birr. He returned as Birr manager after a two year break last year and guided them to their third county title in a row. He also took great pride in the fact that they won the Intermediate title for the first time since 1999. They went on to capture the Leinster title for a record seventh time before qualifying for their sixth All-Ireland Final. Their quest for a record fifth title was halted by Portumna in the final.
  During his previous term as manager Birr had not only dominated Offaly hurling but became one of the leading club sides in the country. Fellow St Rynagh's man Padraig Horan led Birr to their first All-Ireland Club title in 1995 and Pat Joe eventually succeeded him as Birr manager. He led Birr to his first title with them in 1997 and they went on to win their second All-Ireland title the following March. 
  They relinquished their Offaly title later that year but in 1999 began a run of five Offaly titles in a row. Another Leinster title followed that year but Athenry defeated them in an All-Ireland semi-final. 
  Birr were in their prime at that stage and further Leinster titles were captured in 2001 and 2002 and on both occasions Birr went on to win the All-Ireland title, only the third club in the history of the championship to win back to back titles. Their 2003 success also put them on top of the Roll of Honour with four titles, which was a tremendous achievement for the club.
  Pat Joe stepped down after the 2004 championship by which time he was manager of the Limerick intercounty team. He also had a previous spells in intercounty management with Offaly and Roscommon. He had first come to prominence as manager of the Offaly minor hurling team which won the county's first All-Ireland title in 1986 and retained the title a year later. He was still part of the management team when they won the title again in 1989 but that year he also took charge of the county's senior side, who won the Leinster title but lost to Antrim in the All-Ireland semi-final. Offaly also won the under 21 title that year as they did a treble in Leinster but lost the All-Ireland Final to Tipperary.
  As well as managing in Offaly, Pat Joe has also had successful stints as manager of clubs in Tipperary, Galway and Laois. He was in charge of Toomevara when they began their renaissance in 1991 after years in the doldrums, and also led Nenagh to their only Tipperary title.

1/5/2008
Good Week For Birr Town Schoolboy Teams

U-14 Schoolboys Beat League Champions
   Birr Town U-14 Schoolboys side beat league champions Killeigh in a hugely entertaining match in Woodfield Park last Saturday morning. It was 0-0 at full time and after extra time before going to a penalty shoot out with the Birr keeper saving three penalties and the Killeigh keeper saving two.
  Killeigh won all their games on the way to the league title but Birr have been in good form in the last few games and were up for a real battle. Birr started well with Shane Kerins and Philip Evans causing problems for Killeigh in midfield. Christopher Guilfoyle sidefooted the ball straight into the keeper's hands from an Evans cross and Mark Nolan had a chance cleared off the line but Birr could not find a way through. It was 0-0 at half time.
  The second half resumed much the same way and Killeigh made some good attempts on goal but were thwarted by Sean Brady and Colm Mulrooney at centre back.
  Birr made several changes to try and win. Paddy Mullins and Sean O'Connor came on for Paul Franks and Jack Feeney in midfield in an effort to win the game but to no avail. Killeigh had a late chance cleared off the line by Mark Nolan and the game went into extra time and the dreaded penalty shoot out.  
  Birr keeper Robert McKenna made three saves from five shots to put Birr into the semi-finals. Captain Shane Kerins, Mark Nolan and Sean O'Connor all scored. This was a great team performance from Birr and everybody played their part. Shane Kerins played a real captain's part in the centre of the park and the Birr backs led by Sean Brady at centre back were outstanding.
  Birr Panel: Robert McKenna, Dean Nagle, Mark Nolan, Sean Brady, Colm Mulrooney, Kevin Brummell, Jimmy Irwin, Paul Franks, Jack Feeney, Shane Kerins, Philip Evans, Christopher Guilfoyle, Brian Dooley, Sean O'Connor, Patrick Mullins, Pauric Kennedy, Stephen Lyons.  
  
U-12s Are League Champions
  Birr Town U-12's played their closest rivals Portumna last Wednesday. They knew they had the league title wrapped up, but they still had their unbeaten run to protect an