5/2/2010
Auction For Haiti Disaster In Birr Next Sunday

'In a moment of decision, the best thing you can do is the right thing to do. The worst thing you can do is nothing.'  (Theodore Roosevelt)
  As everyone is well aware by now, the earthquake in Haiti on 12th January left a country and its people devastated. Many people around the world have been moved to offer help through donations and the people of Birr will be playing their part next Sunday 7th February at an auction in Dooly’s Hotel. 
  As reported in last week’s Midland Tribune, Birr man Darren Hanniffy, speaking on behalf of GOAL, was deeply moved by the concern, well-wishes and generosity shown by the people of Birr and Offaly. Sharon Grant, owner of Dooly’s Hotel, said it was an immediate thought to hold an event like this, with the hotel being so central for everyone and the ongoing relationship between the hotel and projects in Haiti. The other important thing to remember is that when people come together so much more can be achieved. 
  The atmosphere on the evening will be positive and lively with people bidding for all kinds of different lots. The people and businesses of Birr and the surrounding area have been extremely generous and Sharon Grant wishes to thank everyone who has contributed. Obviously the entire list cannot be printed, but there will be something for everyone, ranging from the small gift to the more substantial lot. Well over 200 lots have been registered to date and the list is still growing. 
  It’s not too late to contribute; gifts will be accepted up until Saturday evening. Please speak to either Paul Owens or Cheryl McLoughlin at Dooly’s Hotel on (057) 91 20032. Lots include; Tickets to see Westlife, The High Kings & Neil Delamare; Luxury Spa Hampers, Health Club Membership & Spa Treatments; Mobile phone, ipod speakers & digital camera; several paintings and prints by local artists; holiday breaks; small, medium and large items for the home and possibly the highest lot to date; a VIP Hot Air Balloon Trip for 2 people, and many, many more!
  All the proceeds from the evening will be going directly to the disaster area. Stevie Grant wishes to thank people and says 'All monies raised will be donated directly to The Soul of Haiti Foundation and will be used by them, GOAL and CONCERN.'
  Of course none of this will be possible without people attending the auction, so make an evening of it with the family, have some fun with bidding and feel happy that you are making a difference. 
  The auction will be held in Dooly's Hotel on Sunday next 7th February at 5p.m.

5/2/2010
Oxmantown School Garden Club Goes From Strength To Strength

When it comes to caring for the environment, the pupils at Oxmantown National School, Birr, believe actions speak louder than words. In addition to classroom based learning about the climate, sustainability and green issues, some of the pupils have been meeting every Wednesday after school to put their learning to practical use. The pupils and the parents have worked together during the last year to create a environmental educational resource. A school garden! 
  Mrs Audrey Colton, head teacher, identified a walled area to the front of the school which would be suitable for the garden and a digger was bought in to level the ground. The first Garden Club met in March 2008 and were greeted by a vast, blank muddy canvas. The pupils set to work on designing the garden, taking in sunlight, shade and soil suitability. First problem encountered: soil not suitable! ‘We couldn’t even get a shovel into the area designated for the vegetable beds.’ The ground was solid sub soil. Second problem: no money for tools and gloves. The Garden Club turned their attention to fundraising and a Green Clothes Day was held in school. The pupils all arrived to school dressed in green and raised €156 in a day. The Parent Teacher Association organised a bag packing day in Super Valu and over €400 was raised. 
  So with money in the bank, the members of the Garden club got to work. They marked out the vegetable beds using a stick and twine and then used rocks to indicate where the raised beds would be built. Next, the parents were bought in for the heavy work. The parents sawed, treated and drove wood posts into the ground. They nailed boards to the posts, dug trenches and cleared rubbish. The pupils shovelled horse manure onto the beds and then covered it in top soil which had been donated. 
  The garden club made mini polytunnels out of hula hoops and chicken wire to bring seedlings on and planted strawberries in old tyres. By May the first vegetables were planted including, cabbage, lettuce, parsley, onions and tomatoes. Window boxes full of flowers had been placed around the school. 
  During the Autumn term the garden club harvested their crops and started work on the other side of the garden, designated to be an ecological area with seating and plants to encourage wild life. A big hole was dug because the garden club loves to dig and crafts were made by the children to raise money. Bulbs were planted by the pupils of the junior infants class and a jumble sale was held which raised over €1,000! ( this was mainly due to the excellent cakes made by the parents. The school has a reputation to maintain regarding its cakes!)
  Now it is 2010 and Oxmantown schools 150th anniversary year. The school, is a Victorian building with a wealth of history held within its walls. (Photographs of the history of the school are on display in a room above St Brendan's market). Research has shown that there had been a garden in the days when the School Master and his wife would have lived at the school, a case of history repeating itself. 
  The Garden Club has a lot of work ahead of them in order to get the garden ready for the school's celebrations. They will be holding an open day for the garden in June and the school will be renacting the good old victorian school days, including costumes, food and hopefully not discipline! If you have any memories of the school or are a past pupil they would love to hear from you. Also if you can help the garden club with any of the following they would greatly appreciate it. They need an old shed for tools, shovels, wheelbarrows, hand trowels, top soil, moisture loving plants, pots of any shape or size, potting compost and so on.
  The Garden Club would like to thank local businesses for their kind donations including Birr Garden Centre, Gem Garden Centre, Polydome and Birr Equestrian Centre.

Educational Information
  School Gardens are becoming increasingly popular and can be used as a tool in teaching many elements of the national curriculum in an interactive and enjoyable way. The school garden can be used to teach concepts such as food chains, interdependency, biodiversity, where food comes from, the importance of healthy eating and of course looking after the planet.

Benefits
  The Garden Club has been a great success and has given parents and pupils the opportunity to come together in the outdoors, get to know each other better and to raise funds. It has been a very positive experience for the pupils who work hard and with great enthusiasm in the garden. The younger pupils love showing their parents the garden and of course jumping in and out of our big hole! The pupils often take what they have learned back home and are helping parents and grandparents with their gardens. 

5/2/2010
St Brendan's PS, Birr

By Eoghan Cahill, 6th class 
  On Thursday the 21st of January, 6th class of St. Brendan's PS, Birr, played against five other Offaly primary schools on a Birr Rugby field that was wet and soggy.
  Our school entered two teams, team one and team two. Team one’s captain was Dáire Stapleton and teams two’s captain was Shane Donovan. 
  Team one won two games against Kinnity and Oxmantown School and drew against Carrig and Killeen. Team two won against Oxmantown School and Carrig and drew against Killeen and Kinnity.
  In the semi-final Team one of St. Brendans played team two of St.Brendan's. It was a close affair. Team two took the lead with a penalty try. Then team one played some super rugby and got their reward of three tries, one from Daire Stapleton and Mark Haines who got two. Team two played great stuff especially Hughie Doyle and Ian Kelly but time just ran out for them. Team one won 3-1 and they had to play Carrig in the final.
  St. Brendan's scored after ten seconds with a try from the mighty Paul Seporaitis and got another from Daniel O’Meara. Carrig responded but team one sealed the victory with a try from the flying Mark Haines. They got to lift the Heineken Cup. 
  We would all like to thank Pieter Swanepole and David Kelly for refereeing the matches and thanks to Mr. Kelly and Mr. Crofton for managing us. Bhain gach duine an-taitneamh as an lá.

5/2/2010
Birr Fair To Feature On Countrychannel TV

Ah memories! With the shooting season now a memory and spring fishing just commencing, we are looking forward to the game fair season that’s approaching fast. 
  And what better way to think what’s in store than a look at the highlights of Shanes Castle and Birr fairs in two specially recorded programmes about these great days out last summer.
  Shanes Castle fair will be shown on countrychannel television on Wednesday 17th February at 18.30 (part 1) and Wednesday 24th February at 18.30 (part 2)
  Birr Castle Game Fair will be shown on Wednesday 17th March at 18;30, Thursday 18th March at 19;30, Friday 19th March at 07;30 and 12;30 and Sunday 21st March at 12;30.
  Both programmes are of course running online at www.countrychannel.tv all the time and will be re-scheduled on Sky later in the year. 
  Why not tune in. If you were at these events last year then who knows, maybe you have a starring role!

5/2/2010
Birr News Digest

Auction For Haiti
  A fundraising auction to aid the victims of the horrific earthquake in Haiti will be held in Dooly's Hotel, Birr on Sunday February 7th at 5p.m. If anyone has any items which they would like to donate for this auction please contact Paul Owens on (087) 1263179 or Sharon in Dooly's Hotel on (057) 9120032.
Birr Library Public Meeting
  The County Librarian, Mary Stuart, would like to invite customers, members of the public and interested parties to give their views on the future direction of the library service in County Offaly. 
  There is a public meeting planned in Birr Library on Wednesday 3rd February at 6.00p.m. All welcome
Mannion TV + Electrical
  Mannion TV + Electrical are now back in the centre of town. For quality, value and service, you will now find them at Emmet Street, Birr. (057) 9120459. (See Advert).
Birr Lions Club Table Quiz
  Birr Lions Club will hold a table quiz on Thursday February 25th in Dooly's Hotel, Birr at 8p.m. Funds raised will go towards Stephen Grant's Soul of Haiti Foundation, and the GOAL organisation, which is being headed up on the ground in Haiti by Birr's Darren Hanniffy.
Dance Classes
  Learn the basic steps for quick steps. waltzing, fox trot and jive in Shinrone Community Centre on Friday February 12th at 8p.m. Contact (087) 4161519 (Advert).
Birr Theatre & Arts Centre
  Hailed as one of the world’s great guitarists, Eduardo Niebla returns to Birr on Thursday 4th February after two years and promises a spellbinding evening of passion, verve and fleet fingered virtuosity from one of the most potent forces in flamenco jazz fusion. Don’t miss this enchanting night!
  Sleep Furiously, the Film Club presentation on Tuesday 9th February, is set in a small farming community in mid Wales. This is a landscape and population that is changing rapidly as small scale agriculture is disappearing and the generation who inhabited a pre-mechanised world is dying out.
  The Silver Screen film on Thursday 11th February is The Apartment, a 1960’s Billy Wilder classic. What is striking about this film is not the romance or even the comedy but the shabbiness, pettiness and nastiness of the office politics.
  Portumna Players present The Mai on Saturday 13th February. This play deals with the ups and downs of one family who live in the midlands and the West of Ireland. It spans four generations and relives their lives over two summers.
  Box office opens 1p.m.-5.30p.m. Monday-Friday. (057) 9122911 or check out www.birrtheatre.com for further details.
DOCHAS Offaly Cancer Support 
  DOCHAS, Offaly Cancer Support, Birr Outreach Centre weekly coffee mornings every Tuesday 10.30a.m.– 2.00p.m. All welcome. Health Centre, John's Terrace, Birr. Tel: (087) 2777728.

Services For Deaf And Hard Of Hearing People
  Wednesday 3rd & 17th February, at the Old Health Centre, Johns Terrace, Birr, from 10a.m. to 1p.m. This is a free service where you can get advice about hearing aids, equipment for your home to help you hear the doorbell, phone, smoke alarm, television. Also information on Irish Sign Language, Tinnitus and Lip-reading.  Come in and have a chat, see some of the equipment and information leaflets available. No need for an appointment. HSE hearing aids can receive minor repairs and batteries for all hearing aids can be purchased for €3 for a packet of six. Appointments can be made for a private consultation for hearing aids in Tullamore; hearing aids are competitively priced at €950 or €1,250 each, or you can phone 1800 256 257. For more information please contact: DeafHear.ie Midlands, Church Street, Tullamore, Co. Offaly. Tel: (057) 9351606 Fax: (057) 9326425 Text: (057) 9326421 email: tullamore@deafhear.ie .
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).
Farmers Vegetable Market
  Farmers Vegetable Market will be in the Marian Hall Car Park every Saturday between 10a.m.-5p.m. Also there are Heneghan's Nursery and Athenry Foods. (Advert).
Foot Health Practitioner
  Foot health practitioner for all your foot needs. Do you suffer from corns, callus, athlete's foot, fungal infections? Call Anne Sherlock, RGN, SAC, Dip FHPT, SAC, Dip FHPP. Registered member of Chiropody/Podiatry Association. Available evenings and Saturdays. Phone (086) 2113494. (Advert).
Spice Up Your Love Life This Valentine's At Fivealley!
  Treat your loved one to a romantic dinner at the Enroute Bistro, Fivealley this Valentines. On Saturday 13th, enjoy a sumptuous four Course dinner with complimentary glass of wine for just €34.00. After dinner entertainment by 'Countdown'. Sunday lunch on St Valentine’s day from €24.00. Book early to avoid disappointment! (057) 9133976. (See Advert)
Practical First Aid Course
  The Birr branch of the Irish Red Cross will be holding a five week practical first aid course in the Community Centre in the old hospital grounds, starting on February 10th. For further details contact Marie at (087) 9955750 or Deirdre (086) 8551035.
Poker Classic
  Lorrha / Rathcabbin Gun Club in conjunction with Lorrha / Rathcabbin Angling club are holding a poker classic in The Friars Tavern Lorrha on Friday 5th February at 9.00p.m.sharp. Tickets €30. Prizes pro rata. (See Advert).
Birr Photography Group
  Birr Photography Group meet every Thursday at 8p.m. in Tin Jug Studio, Brendan Street, Birr. Learn new photographic skills, enjoy chat, share information, demonstrations and talks. New members always welcome. Call Joe on (087) 657 4820 or go online at www.birrphotogroup.org for more information.
Ramblers in Eireann
  On Sunday 7th February, join the group for a day trip to Dublin to visit Guinness Brewery and Glasnevin Cemetery. Bus departs from the Fivealley at 8.30a.m. sharp. Cost €38 each includes all guided tours and travel. Contact Sinead at tel. (057) 91 23794 (H); (086) 05 48143 (M) after 6p.m. 
'Go For Life' Information Afternoon
  Crinkle Sports & Recreation Centre (handball alley) is hosting a 'Go For Life' information afternoon on Wednesday February 10th from 2-4p.m. 'Go For Life' is a national programme for sport and physical activity for older people, helping more older people to get active, more often.
First Aid Course
  The Order of Malta Birr will be holding a basic First Aid course starting Thursday 18th February at 7.30p.m. at the old hospital St John's Terrace. For information contact Ann (087) 9079617.
Bridge Club
  The Des Houlihan Trophy took place on Monday 25th of January last and thanks are due to Peter Fox Pharmacy for sponsorship. The winners were 1st Aileen Watkins, Mary Byrne, Ann Hough and Michael Dolan. 2nd Delia Naughton, Kathleen Lowry, Bernie Nolan and Aileen Anderson. 3rd Lorna Doorley, Roma Gilmartin, Gay Halvey and Treasa Barry. 
  Birr 66 Bridge Club held the individual trophy on Monday 18th of January and the results are 1st Tess Liffey, 2nd Gladys O'Meara, 3rd Delia Naughton and 4th Mary O'Gorman.
Knitting & Crochet Circle
  Knitting and Crochet Circle takes place every Wednesday 5.30p.m. to 7.30pm in Birr Library. All interested are very welcome. Contact Mary on (086) 8792096.
Friends Of Children Of Chernobyl 
  Friends Of Children Of Chernobyl wish to thank all who supported the table quiz in Ballingary on Friday 29th January. €700 was raised. 
Congratulations 
  Congratulations to Michael Caffrey and his wife Mary of Glebe Street, Birr who recently celebrated their Golden wedding anniversary in the company of their family and friends. 
Clareen ICA 
  A meeting of Clareen ICA guild was held on Monday. A date is arranged for an evening meal in The Thatch for February 15th at 7p.m. Please phone Bridie at 9131198 or any member if interested. 
  The draw for the patchwork quilt will take place around Easter. Tickets will be available soon at €2 per line. Other prizes also. If there are any Ladies interested in the patchwork classes or a knitting group please let the guild know. It would be subject to the hall being available and for a limited period. 
Birr Mental Health Association 
  Birr MHA are holding their Annual General Meeting in Birr Community Mental Health Centre (Old Convent), Wilmer Road on Tuesday 9th February at 8p.m. New members welcome. They would like to take this opportunity to thank everyone who supported us during 2009 and their sponsors Supervalu and Tesco. 
Birr Social Club 
  The draw for the Spring Handicap Snooker Tournament is as follows - P.Hogan v J. Shortt, B. Carroll v P. Dunphy, Bye v Kenno, R. Donnelly v Miley (Jnr), P. Egan v A. Hennessy, J. Dwyer v D. Kavanagh, Bye v M. Verney, G. King v E. Bevans, P. Cleary v S. Whelahan, B. Guinan v T. Dolan, Junior O'Callaghan v K. Hogan, John Mac v D. Bevans, Bye v N. Dooley, A. Naylor v D. Murray, A. Sullivan v M.Nolan (snr), D. Kelly v Bye. Please arrange your match and play as soon as possible. 
  Darts; The Annual Darts Tournament will take place in the coming weeks, the Draw takes place this weekend with all the usual suspects being included. 
Chamber Of Commerce
  Birr Chamber of Commerce meeting on Thursday February 11th at 9p.m. in Dooly's Hotel.
Birr Mart 
  Bullocks: 1 sim 420kgs €690, 2 aa 350kgs €535, 3 her 425kgs €645, 2 her 380kgs €600, 1 ch 620kgs €1,070, 1 sim 600kgs €970, 1 lim 630kgs €980, 2 sim 420kgs €715, 2 aa 550kgs €815, 1 lim 630kgs €980. Heifers: 1 ch 410kgs €740, 1 lim 460kgs €775, 1 ch 425kgs €730, 1 ch 360kgs €650, 3 aa 540kgs €790, 1 lim 535kgs €810, 1 lim 505kgs €765, 3 lim 366kgs €570. Dry Cows: 1 fr 580kgs €770, 1 ch 540kgs €760, 1 her 715kgs €940, 1 fr 580kgs €625. Dairy and suckler sale in Birr Mart on Thursday 18th February at 12.30p.m. Entries invited. 
Highfield Utd Lotto
  Numbers drawn in this week's Highfield United lotto were 5, 13, 14 and 15. No Jackpot winner. One match three receives €150 - Brid Larkin, Church Street, Banagher. Next week's Jackpot is €11,550 and the draw takes place in Pilkington's. Thanks to the Sunrise Inn and everybody who supports the lotto every week.
Birr Town Lotto
  Numbers drawn in the Birr Town lotto this week were 17, 21, 23 and 24. Bonus number 26. No Jackpot winner. One match 3 receives €200, Breda Ryan, Emmet St. Next week's Jackpot €2,600 and with bonus number €5,600. Draw in Craughwell's Monday February 8th. Thanking all for their continued support.
Social Dancing
  Social dancing in Rath Community Centre on Thursday February 4th with music by Footloose.
Four Seasons Gardening Club
  Four Seasons Gardening Club are having their annual dinner on Monday February 8th at 8p.m. in Birr Golf Club. Meal and music €27 per person. everybody welcome. Names to Eileen at (057) 9135152 as soon as possible.
  The Club's week away is from Sunday April 25th to Friday April 30th to Kenmare Bay Hotel, Kenmare, Co. Kerry. €355 per person sharing, B & B plus dinner. €380 single room. Deposit €180. Trips will be organised every day and the bus will be available daily. Names to Eileen at (057) 9135152.
Marian Hall Notes
  Bingo: The Jackpot on Friday night last was not won. The Jackpot this Friday night is €3,000 on 48 calls with a top game of €300 if not won. Calling as usual at 8.30p.m. sharp.
  Progressive 25 Drive: Top prize on Sunday night last was won on 11 games by Eugene and Peggy Martin. Two pairs had 10 games Mary and Michael Moran, Tim Carey and Kieran Coughlan. The last game was won by Joe Kerins and Frank Mulvey while the table prize went to Jack Maher and Stephen Lonergan. Raffle prize winners were Coleman Loughnane, Joe Cantwell and Liam Shanahan. Cards continue on Sunday night at 9p.m. sharp with a Jackpot of €100 on 14 games.
Ballyegan Gardening Club 
  Ballyegan Gardening Club - Make & Give a Flower arrangement for Valentine's! We are hosting a workshop on Wednesday, 10th February at 8p.m. in Ballyegan Hall. We will supply Oasis if you need it! Please bring greenery, flowers, ribbons, bows, decorations and a pot, planter etc to hold the display - anything you want to make your arrangement. On the night we will have our usual raffle and refreshments. If you have anything for the Plant Table please bring along. Members and non-members welcome.
Shinrone Bingo
  Shinrone Bingo will hold a cheap night on this Thursday night commencing at 8.30p.m.  Prize money will be €2,165 with the Jackpot of €2,000 in 48 calls. All are welcome.
Seir Kieran Community Partnership
  The partnership will be holding their Senior Citizens' Party on Sunday 7th of February next. Thanks to all who supported the church gate collection to fund the party. Anyone who wishes to help with sponsorship on the day contact (057) 91 31308. Go raibh maith agaibh go léir.
Sunrise Inn Golf Society 
  A Classic has been organised in aid of Haiti on 13th February in Birr Golf Club. A team of four will cost €100 and a timesheet will be in place at the Birr Clubhouse. Any other information contact John O'Halloran, Sunrise Inn. 
  The Society's first outing is on February 6th in Ballinasloe. 
Table Quiz 
  A table quiz in aid of Crinkill NS will be held in the Thatch on Thursday February 18th at 9p.m. €20 per table of four. General knowledge and fun quiz sponsored kindly by the Thatch. All welcome. 
Book Club 
  The next book club meeting will take place Monday, 8th February. The book is 'For Whom The Bell Tolls' by Ernest Hemingway. Anyone welcome along. For further info call (057) 91 39028.  
The Impact Factor
  A free Business Development Seminar on high impact attitude, sales and customer service, will be held on Tuesday February 9th from 2p.m. to 5.15p.m. at the Shannon Development premises. Help make the most of your business in these difficult times. Contact/Text confirmation of attendance to Birr Chamber of Commerce (086) 3047229. 
Dolly's Kitchen Catering For You
  Dolly's Kitchen is opening in SuperValu Shopping Centre, Banagher on Friday February 5th at 8a.m. Great homemade food served all day.
  Valentine's Night special, five courses for €25 (bookings only).
  Outside catering available. Bookings now being taken for Christenings, Communion, Confirmation. etc. Contact Teresa (087) 1253524. (See Advert).
Comhaltas News
  The committee of Birr Comhaltas would like to remind any members who have not paid their annual membership that this is now due. Likewise any person wishing to join the branch should give their application, along with the appropriate fee to any member of the committee. Membership costs €20 per family (any number); €12 for individuals or €6 for juniors. This entitles each adult member or family to a complimentary copy of the official Comhaltas magazine Treoir four times a year as well as local publications.
  The annual New Year Session, postponed due to the bad weather, has been refixed for Thursday 18th February at the same venue, The County Arms Hotel, with the same programme.
  For further information on either of the above please contact branch secretary Donal Morrissey (087) 9347968.
Crinkle Sports & Recreation
  Fitness Pilates each Monday 7-7.45p.m. Eight weeks €40. Adult Boxercise Mondays 7.45-8.30p..m. €5 per session. Contact Marguerite (086) 3339311.
Birr Parent And Toddler Group
  Birr Parent and Toddler Group meet every Tuesday morning from 10.15a.m. to 12.15p.m. in the Family Resource Centre in Glebe Street, Birr. There is lots of fun with toys and crafts for your toddlers and babies.  Why not come along and have a coffee while getting to know other parents/guardians. Cost €3 per family. Hope to see you there!
Kinnitty Fatima Pilgrimage
  Kinnitty Fatima Pilgrimage with Spiritual Director Fr Greg Corcoran from August 15th to 21st. Fare €650. Deposit of €150 to be paid by February 25th. For further details contact Phil Robinson (086) 2956299 or (057) 9137148.
Chernobyl Lifeline
  Chernobyl Lifeline Roscrea have been approached and asked if they could investigate and see if families would be willing to accommodate children from an orphanage from the Earthquake Disaster areas of Haiti.
  As they are in the early stages of investigating, they would ask any families who feel that they might be interested getting involved with hosting one or more of those orphans for a period of approx three months, to please contact Andrew Walsh, Secretary of Chernobyl Lifeline, Derrymore, Roscrea in writing with your name, address and phone number. You will be contacted with further details within a couple of days.
  They envisage children will arrive for the months of March, April & May if the project goes ahead. As this will be in the school calendar year, they are hopeful that the children would attend local schools for the period that they are in the Area.
  It will be a condition that Host Families will be Garda Vetted through the Organisation Barnardos.
Offaly Childminders
  An information and support evening on childminding record keeping will take place in Tullamore on the 10th February. This event is open to all childminders/potential childminders. To book a place, please contact Fiona McHugh on (057) 9370631.
Sue Ryder Foundation
  The Sue Ryder Foundation is the largest provider of accommodation for the elderly in the country. They support this activity through their charity shop in Birr. If you have clothes or furniture to donate for the support of their work, contact them on (057) 91 21227 or call to the shop.
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.
  Kidz Kraftz Thursdays for 4-8 year age groups. Fridays for 8-12 year age group.
  Ba Bog parent and Toddler group meet on Tuesdays at 10.15a.m. 
  For more information on any of the above please call Mary on (057) 9121912 or email birrresourcecentre@eircom.net .
Helpline Charities
  AWARE; Helping to defeat depression and prevent suicide. Lo-Call Helpline 1890 303302
  TEEN-LINE IRELAND; Alone, worried or distressed - it just takes one phone call. Freephone 1800 833634.
  SAMARITANS; Always available 24/7 for confidential emotional support. Telephone 1850 60 90 90.
  I.A.S. Irish Association of Suicidology. Managing grief and loss after suicide. Telephone (094) 9250858
  LIVING LINKS; Providing practical help, advice and support to persons bereaved by suicide. Helpline; (087) 9693021.

5/2/2010
Good Counsel's Strong Finish Ends St Brendan's Title Hopes

Leinster Colleges SHC 'A'; Good Counsel 1-18 St Brendan’s CS, Birr 1-14 

A strong final quarter enabled Good Counsel of New Ross to get the better of St Brendan's Community School, Birr in the first round of a closely fought Leinster Colleges Senior Hurling 'A' Championship, played at Dicksboro GAA grounds in Kilkenny on Monday afternoon.
  After springing a major upset to defeat St Kieran’s, Kilkenny in last year’s quarter-final, St Brendan’s went on to fall foul of Good Counsel at the penultimate hurdle, losing 1-14 to 3-19. Good Counsel had three of their ’09 side in action – Matthew Hanlon, Syl Barron and Nicky Doyle, and this trio left an indelible impression as they accounted for ten points between them. Jack Guiney and Colm Foran also featured as subs against St Brendan’s last year.
  St Brendan’s, coached by Michael Lyons and Alan Franks, had six survivors from that ’09 game against Good Counsel – Donal Regan, John McIntyre, Brendan Murphy, Aodhan Kealey, Adrian Hynes and Kevin Connolly. Tom Carroll was unavailable due to suspension.
  Good Counsel’s reward for winning is a difficult quarter-final tie against St Kieran’s this Saturday. 
  St Brendan’s, after enjoying the benefit of the stiff breeze, led 1-9 to 1-8 at half time and their inability to rack up a substantial score left them vulnerable. The teams were deadlocked for the sixth and final occasion at 1-10 apiece with 37 minutes elapsed and from there to the shrill of the referee’s long whistle, Good Counsel outscored the Birr school by double scores 0-8 to 0-4 to seal a merited victory.
  Good Counsel, who were dominant in the key central diamond positions, also struck seven second half wides. And the only occasion they looked under the cosh was in the second minute of additional time when Aodhan Kealey came close to nicking a goal after Kevin Donovan hoisted in a teasing free.
  In a tough battle and on a tight pitch where space was at a premium, St Brendan’s struggled to spread the play out. They re-jigged their attack many times in an effort to achieve greater penetration but sampled little joy. Three of the starting forwards failed to raise a flag, as did two subs introduced to this sector. In contrast, five of Good Counsel’s forward sextet scored from play.
  The referee made some dubious decisions both ways and at the start of the second half St Brendan’s failure to hold the cool cost them dearly. They’d won a free but following retaliation a throw-in was given. St Brendan’s then conceded a free at the throw-in and this was duly dispatched between the uprights by Good Counsel centre back Matthew Hanlon. It was a sickening score to concede and set the trend for a half where St Brendan’s were always on the back-foot and got practically no decent supply into the inside forwards.
Conor Joyce cleverly slipped in behind the St Brendan’s cover to kick a fifth minute goal that provided Good Counsel with a 1-2 to 0-1 cushion. The St Brendan’s point came after Brendan Murphy’s stinging 21m free was deflected over the bar.
  Two uplifting long range points from Aodhan Kealey and Liam Brady raised St Brendan’s cockles but Good Counsel responded per Syl Barron (free) and David Crowdle.
  St Brendan’s were back in business in the 13th minute after Kevin Connolly skilfully blasted to the roof of the onion bag. Murphy (free) levelled it, 1-4 all. Points by Hanlon (free) and impressive centre forward Sean Lester regained the lead for Good Counsel. By the 22nd minute, it was St Brendan’s that were ahead, 1-7 to 1-6, after Connolly (2) and Brady fired over points.
  Jack Guiney’s 25th minute point tied proceedings for the fourth time at 1-7 apiece before St Brendan’s edged two clear as Connolly (free) and Eoin Dunne were on target.
  Lester pulled a point back for Good Counsel and on the resumption excellent long range frees by Hanlon and Barron saw them edge 1-10 to 1-9 ahead.
  Connolly, easily St Brendan’s most threatening forward, equalised from a free won by himself in the 37th minute. But from there to the finish Good Counsel were the complete masters with Nicky Doyle (2), Bernard Furlong, Barron (3) and Lester (2) firing over quality points from an array of distances and angles. Three of St Brendan’s closing four points came from frees.
  With a sprinkling of Wexford and Kilkenny minors in their ranks, Good Counsel were full value for their win. Eoin Doyle, Matthew Hanlon, Syl Barron, Sean Lester and Nicky Doyle caught the eye for the New Ross school.
  St Brendan’s will be disappointed to have exited the championship at the first hurdle. With the exception of Kevin Connolly, the attack failed to ignite and was well smothered by a tenacious, no nonsense and strong Good Counsel defensive unit. Donal Regan, John McIntyre, Brendan Murphy and Kevin Donovan defended resolutely for St Brendan’s while Liam Brady’s first half points were a highlight of the game.
  Scorers: Good Counsel: Syl Barron (0-6, 0-5 frees), Sean Lester (0-5) Conor Joyce (1-0), Nicky Doyle (0-2), Matthew Hanlon (0-2 frees), Bernard Furlong (0-1), Jack Guiney (0-1), David Crowdle (0-1).
  St Brendan’s CS: Kevin Connolly (1-6, 0-5 frees), Brendan Murphy (0-3 frees), Liam Brady (0-2), Eoin Dunne (0-1), Aodhan Kealey (0-1), Tom Carroll (0-1).
  GOOD COUNSEL: John Sutton; Eoin Doyle, Alan Nolan, Garrett Foley; Colm Foran, Matthew Hanlon, Matthew Cody; Syl Barron, Bernard Furlong; Nicky Doyle, Sean Lester, Conor Joyce; David Crowdle, Jack Guiney, Shane O’Gorman. Sub. Tom Murphy (for Syl Barron blood, 26-28 mins), Mark Mansfield (for Conor Joyce, 60 mins).
  ST BRENDAN’S CS: Joe Connors; Cathal Murray, Donal Regan, John McIntyre; Kevin Donovan, Brendan Murphy, Craig Pardy; Liam Brady, Eoin Dunne; Tom Carroll, Aodhan Kealey (capt.), Seanie Carroll; Damien Maher, Adrian Hynes, Kevin Connolly. Subs. Paddy Mullins (for Seanie Carroll, half time), Paul McCarthy (for Damine Maher, 41 mins), Eoin Hayes (for Paddy Mullins, 55 mins).

5/2/2010
International Wrestling In Birr

International Wrestling will be making a bone crushing impact in Birr on Monday next February 8th. The venue for this action packed event is Dooly's Hotel in Emmet Square. The show will feature some of the top stars in wrestling today. IWW are just coming off the back of a 10 day tour of the UK which saw no less than nine sell out shows and huge crowds in every venue, and this event will be no different. 
  IWW have produced some huge home grown wrestlers over the years that have gone on to great success. Former International Champions Sheamus O'Shaunessy & Drew McIntrye are now a part of the WWE and appear regularly on their RAW & Smackdown TV shows. Sheamus is now the WWE World Champion after beating John Cena and Drew is the WWE I.C. Champion. Triple H and Shawn Micheals are now mentors and trainers to both of these huge stars, while on the road around the world. Sheamus has trained a number of the current wrestlers here in IWW. So expect to se spectacular action on the night.
  Headlining the bill on the night will be International Heavyweight Champion Mandrake. IWW Champion Mandrake has fought and defeated WWE & TNA Stars such as Eugene, Sheik Abdul Bashir, Tyson Kidd, Rene Dupree and Balls Mahoney. Mandrake said 'Whoever I face in Birr will be a tough test and I'm looking forward to the challenge, and also wrestling in front of packed house of wrestling fans.'
  Also, Mandrake is on the cards to be possibly signed by the WWE very soon as he is in talks with their talents scouts. Mandrake was trained by current WWE Champion Sheamus (who faces Randy Orton at the Royal Rumble). Also appearing on the night will be International Wrestlers such as The Supermodel, Captain Rooney and Zero Gravity Champ Angus J. Rotonda to name just a few. 
  This extravaganza is for one night only. Doors open at 7p.m. with Bell time at 7.30p.m. Tickets are only €10 and are available by calling the Dooly's Hotel via (057) 9120032.
  As a once off special, there's a free WWE DVD for every child on the night.
  Don't miss out on a great night's entertainment for all the family.

5/2/2010
Birr RFC Youth Rugby Notes

Schools Mixed Tag Blitz A Big Success
  Birr RFC recently hosted a mixed tag schools blitz. Five schools sent along two teams each. The schools taking part were St. Brendan’s Boys, Carrig, Killeen, Kinnitty and Oxmantown. 
  Ignoring the wind and rain the boys and girls took the field with great enthusiasm. A large attendance of teachers and parents added to the atmosphere. All teams were evenly matched with a number of games ending in a draw.
  St. Brendan’s Boys just edged out Carrig in the final. However, the big winners on the day were all the boys and girls who took part and who displayed great skills and sportsmanship. 
  The event was organised by Peter Swanipole, YDO Birr RFC assisted by David Kelly and with great co-operation from the teachers. The European Heineken Cup was displayed at the end of proceedings with lots of photos taken. The Heineken Cup was on display later on that evening in Birr RFC Clubhouse, drawing a big crowd to admire it.

5/2/2010
Golfing In The Glenns 

Spring League
  The draw for the Birr Credit Union Spring League will take place this Thursday evening. This very popular competition always attracts a large entry and weather permitting, will run into late March. Members are asked to get their names on the sheet on or before Thursday evening.
For Your Diary
  Open 3-Ball competition, any combination, ongoing.
  First round of Spring League starting on Friday February 5th.
  Thursday 4th February; 9.00a.m. Glenn Eagles.
  Thursday 4th February; 10.15a.m. Seniors.
  Sunday 7th February; 9.00a.m. to 12.00 noon. Midland Intermediate Alliance. 
  Tuesday 9th Februry;10.30a.m. Bridge in Clubhouse.
  Saturday 13th February; Golf Classic in aid of Haiti earthquake disaster. Time sheet in Golf Club and Sunrise Inn. €100 per team. (057) 912 0345
  Sunday 14th February; 1.00p.m. Captains’ Drive In. Four-Ball Scramble. Entries at 12 noon.
Results
  Seniors; 1st Dick Johnston, Tom Nestor, Bernard McGurk 37; 2nd Martin Hynes, Paul Walshe, Michael Ashe 38.
  Bridge; 1st Phonsie and Maura Kerrigan. 2nd Tie: Joanne Loughnane and Frank Doorley and Chris Harvey and Celia Doorley.
Poker Classic
  A Poker Classic night will take place in the Club on Friday 5th February. Tickets are available from Committee members. This should be a most enjoyable evening and all are welcome to come along and try out their luck and skills.
Special Offer
  A special surprise for golf beginners is this year’s offer from Birr Golf Club. All first time golfers can now avail of 2010 single membership for €450 and family membership for €750. This is an exceptional offer to first timers who can avail of all the facilities of a very friendly club and take part in all the activities and competitions throughout the year. This is your opportunity to join one of the Midland’s finest golf courses. There is no entry fee and all details can be had from the office: (057) 912 0082.
Open 3-Ball Competition
  An Open 3-Ball Competition is up and running until April 2010. The response has been very encouraging with a great turn-out over the past two weeks. The competition will be over 18 holes with the best two scores to count at each hole. The teams are composed of any combination ladies/gents and the competition is sponsored by Michael Horan of Birr Golf Shop and Driving Range, Callaway and Trackman. Three teams will qualify each month with the Grand Final in May 2010. Play will be from Monday to Saturday with the handicap limits of men/20 and ladies/30. Entry is €10 for members and €20 for visitors. This will be an exciting competition over the winter and spring and no doubt will prove attractive to all golfers
Dining In The Glenns
  Remember that our restaurant is open at the weekend for lunch each Sunday. Cathal reminds all his customers that there will be a special 4-Course Lunch on Valentine’s Day. Also on that evening he will have a 2-Course Early Bird menu served from 4p.m. to 7p.m. Cost €16. Book early and avoid disappointment  
Credit Cards
  A credit card system is now up and running in the office. All major cards are accepted. Members should also be aware that membership subscriptions can be paid through  Birr Credit Union who are offering excellent rates.
Ladies Branch
  Winter/Spring League; The Winter/Spring League commenced on Sunday 24th January with eleven teams of six participating. All teams are posted on the notice board for your attention. Please familiarise yourself with the rules and format prior to playing. The first three rounds run up to Saturday 13th February with three scores counting each week. It has been agreed that the League Final will now take place on 20th March.   
  9-Hole Competition; The postponed 9 Hole Competition is now ongoing with the two best cards to count.
  Junior Girls Golf; If you know of any girls aged 12/14 years of age interested in golf lessons taking place in Birr Golf Club for ten weeks one hour per week commencing in February please contact Angela Hough at (086) 8632621 without delay to secure your place.
  Captain’s Drive In; The Captain’s Drive In takes place on Sunday 14th February with a 1.00p.m. start.   Entries taken from 12.00p.m. The format will be a four ball scramble so please come out and support our Captains Bernard Kennedy and Kathleen Doorley. More details next week.

29/1/2010
Birr Aid Worker Deeply Moved By Generosity Of Offaly People

Speaking from his GOAL base in Haiti on Tuesday (January 26th) Birr aid worker Darren Hanniffy told The Midland Tribune that he had been deeply moved by the concern, well-wishes and generosity shown by the people of Birr and Offaly.
  'I was really moved when my mother on the phone told me of the reaction back home,' said Darren. 'She told me that many people had come up to members of our family on the street and expressed their support both emotionally and financially.'
  He assured people that all money donated to GOAL in Haiti would reach the suffering people of Haiti and wouldn't be siphoned off by any corrupt officials.
  'This emotional support at home has been very uplifting for all of us here in Port-au-Prince. The Irish are showing once again that they are a very kind and generous race'.
  The massive earthquake hit Port-au-Prince on Tuesday afternoon the 12th of January last. At the time Darren was working for GOAL in Honduras. The next day, January the 13th, he was in Port-au-Prince. He said it was thanks to mobile phone entrepreneur Denis O'Brien that he was able to fly so soon into Haiti.
  On landing in the stricken country Darren travelled through the capital city and saw hundreds and thousands of corpses lining the pavements. These bodies had been pulled from the buildings' wreckage. Then he witnessed these bodies being piled onto trucks and taken to mass graves.
  He said that when so many people have died there is a very strong fear, and a real threat, that disease will break out. Thankfully this hasn't happened yet.
  The official search and rescue stopped last weekend but people continued to search for survivors amongst the rubble. 'Only this morning,' said Darren, 'they pulled a nine year old girl, alive, from the rubble.'
  Miraculous stories like this lift the spirits and many of the Haitians are singing to keep their morale up.
  For a couple of days after arriving in Port-au-Prince Darren slept rough in a van, drinking water and eating biscuits. He wasn't able to do much because his GOAL team of 32 people couldn't get into the city due to the chaotic situation in the airport. Then after a few days the US army made the airport a more secure and less chaotic place and the GOAL team were able to arrive.
  Darren was full of praise for the team under him who, he says, are doing a fantastic job. They are assisted by 50 locals. Darren's job is to co-ordinate this group of 82 people.
  'Our daily routine is to have a meeting every morning and go over all that has to be done. After the meeting we then set about achieving during the day the goals that have been set.'
  He said that bodies are still protruding from the rubble. He saw the bodies of two adults trapped in the masonry of the cathedral door. 'A choir practice had been taking place in the cathedral when the earthquake happened. These two people made a run for it and were so near yet so far.'
  He said the GOAL team could be in Haiti for another year dispensing aid. He warned that when the wet season arrives in May it could bring with it problems of disease.
  During his first few days in Port-au-Prince Darren helped set up a campsite and acquired a warehouse, both of which are being used by GOAL, and interacted with the UN. GOAL's base is about ten minutes drive from the airport.
  Every day GOAL dispenses food and non-food items throughout the capital. The non-food items include plastic sheeting, kitchen utensils, aqua tabs (for purifying water) and hygiene kits. GOAL gets the local community to take ownership of the distribution of the food and non-food items.
  A major question now is what is to be done with such a huge number of homeless people. The quake left a million people homeless. 'One option,' said Darren, 'is for people to be moved into camps of tents outside the city but such an option has risks and issues attached.
  'Another option is for the government to transport people for free to their family homes out in the countryside or in other towns. I think this would be a very good option to take, however it could put a significant strain on satellite towns. Therefore it would be very important that the international community would support the existing infrastructure in those satellite towns.
  'GOAL's aim is to adopt a town of displaced people outside the city and to look after that town.
  'Assistance is needed to pay for and build replacement houses for the people. These houses would have to have an appropriate design. And of course they would have to be earthquake resistant structures.
  Darren is 35 years of age and decided to join GOAL after hearing the CEO of GOAL John O'Shea give a talk in Autumn 1998 on the devastation wrought by Hurricane Mitch in Central America. Since joining, Darren has worked with GOAL in Honduras, Uganda, Afghanistan and the Democratic Republic of the Congo. He also went to assist in El Salvador after two earthquakes there. The earthquakes happened in January and February 2001.
  He added that some of the GOAL operatives in Haiti are doctors and nurses able to deal with trauma injuries and they are presently 'working flat out in the hospital.'
  He said that the amount of material and food which the GOAL trucks bring to the afflicted people every day is enormous. GOAL is also paying local people to help clear the rubble.
  Darren commented that whole sections of Port-au-Prince have been levelled and electricity is not back yet. Power is being provided in some places by generators.
  He added that GOAL is 'a very dynamic organisation which is not saddled with bureaucracy.'
  He recalled that each year he takes part in the GOAL mile in Birr on Christmas Day and before the GOAL mile starts he tells people that they are giving money to a good cause and that the money given to GOAL does get to the people who need it.

29/1/2010
Birr Businessman Raising Funds For Haiti Victims

Birr businessman Stephen Grant is currently raising funds for the victims of the Haiti earthquake.
  Stevie, who is Managing Director of Grant Engineering in Crinkle, has visited the Caribbean country on three occasions and was involved in charity works out there with a charity organisation called the Soul of Haiti Foundation.
  Speaking to The Midland Tribune last Thursday Stevie said he had telephoned Michael Carey, who is the Chief Executive of Jacobs Fruitfield and the Chairman of Soul of Haiti, and had been chatting with him about ideas for raising funds.
  When he visited Haiti Stevie was involved in the building of fishing boats in a fishing village. He was also involved in reconstruction work on an orphanage on a small island off Haiti. He's presently engaged in shipping out farm implements and tractors to the Caribbean country.
  Soul of Haiti has a very good contact in Haiti, a businessman, who is reliable and ensures all charity money reaches its intended target. Having such a contact also means that Soul of Haiti can avoid the middlemen in the process. This businessman's house partially collapsed during last week's earthquake but he and his family are alive and well.
  'We are going to try and raise funds locally here in Birr,' commented Stevie. 'If anybody wishes to donate anything then they can contact me here in Grant Engineering or else they can contact my daughter Sharon in Dooly's Hotel.'
  Last October Stevie and a number of Grant Engineering employees, including Peter Darcy and Keith Scully, took part in a Haven building project near the town of Ouanaminthe in the north-east of Haiti. He visited Sr Helen Ryder who was a teacher in a school in Port-au-Prince. Sr Helen is in her mid-60s and is originally from Banagher. She thankfully survived the earthquake and is reported to be in good health. 'After the earthquake we enquired about her,' said Stevie, 'and were told that she is thankfully ok.'
  He also enquired about Conor Murphy from Kerry who works fulltime in Haiti for Soul of Haiti and he too is safe and well. He said they couldn't talk to Conor or Sister Helen directly because the telephone system had broken down.
  'No one knows how many people live in Port-au-Prince,' he added, 'or how many live in Haiti. The population of Port-au-Prince is from 2 million to 2.5 million and the population of Haiti is from 8 to 10 million.'
  He said that when he visited Port-au-Prince a few months ago it was 'like driving into hell. A huge number of people were living in rundown sheds. It was a really miserable place. There was also a big problem with crime and everywhere we went we had to have an armed escort. In one month in 2006 it was reported that there were 500 kidnappings in Port-au-Prince. People are kidnapped for money, even if it is only for 50 dollars, and there's a good chance that if you are kidnapped that you won't return alive.'
  Last October he took part in Haven's 'Build It Week' during which 40 new houses were built near Ouanaminthe for local impoverished people. This north-eastern region is very rural, undeveloped, lacking in agriculture and possessing little manufacturing enterprise.

29/1/2010
Popular Birr Council Director Retires

It was announced during the January meeting of Birr Town Council that this would be the last meeting of Director of Services Michael Roche as he was retiring.
  Cllr Tony McLoughlin, Chairman, wished Mr Roche well in his retirement adding that much had been achieved during his tenure of the Director of Services' post. 'His link with the NRA certainly helped in that regard.'
  'Michael was a very patient man who was very tolerant with some of us at times. He was very good with the staff and he had a fine social conscience. I wish him the very best of luck and health. It is his own decision to retire and he is probably right to do so.'
  'We'll miss him here,' commented Cllr Michael Campbell. 'He had a lovely way of saying no. He had a very calming way about him and he still got the job done. I hope he has a great future. Someone else's gain will be Birr's loss.'
  'I concur with all that has been said,' remarked Cllr Brian Whelahan. 'Michael was a very nice, pleasant man to work with and I wish him well in the next stage of his life.'
  'Michael was a complete gentleman to work with,' commented Cllr Bernie Fanneran.
  'Sometimes I wondered if you were thinking to yourself when you came into our Council meetings "Not this crowd again",' remarked Cllr Noel Russell, 'but even if you were there was always a smile and politeness from you even if you were gritting your teeth underneath all of that. I also really appreciated the fact that whenever we called you with a query or problem we always got a call back.'
  Cllr Denis Tierney said Mr Roche had a deep love of Birr 'and Birr was very fortunate indeed to have a person of his calibre working here.'
  Cllr Michael Loughnane pointed out that Mr Roche was originally from Limerick and had been working in Birr for the last six years. 'We live in a marvellous town, a fact which we sometimes take for granted, but Michael didn't.'
  Cllr Denis Shiels remarked that Mr Roche was a pleasure to work with. 'I think you are too young to retire because you still have an awful lot to offer to public life.'
  Cllr John Carroll said he was very disappointed when he heard that Mr Roche was retiring. 'He was a very honourable, decent and straight man. We will all miss his calm and helpful presence.' He said that when Niall Sweeney retired from the post of County Manager a few years ago he was very concerned that Birr would be put on 'the hind tit'. Thankfully this hadn't happened.
  County Manager Pat Gallagher said Mr Roche had a distinguished record of public service. He said the public sector had received considerable negative press recently and it was important to remember that many public sector employees were very decent people and extremely hard workers. 'It has been my pleasure to work with Michael over the years and I greatly regret his loss. During his period as Director of Services with responsibility for the Birr and Ferbane regions as well as for Birr town it has been a period of significant progress for all three regions.'
  'You are too kind,' commented Mr Roche to everyone present. 'I very much enjoyed my time here. My first Council meeting was in a chilly John's Hall so we have made progress in that regard. During my time here we saw many successful projects completed including the swimming pool, the playground and the traffic lights at Seffin. I must say that most of the credit must go to the staff.'
  He said there had been several Area and Town Engineers and Town Clerks during his tenure of the Director of Services post.
  He commented that Birr is a 'tremendous town' and his time here had been 'a great experience which I learned a lot from.'

29/1/2010
Birr Man Publishes Book On Holy Grail

Birr poet and writer Jack Egan has just published a book about the Holy Grail which is receiving excellent reviews.
  Jack has been writing poetry for about 40 years and is originally from Pound Street in Birr. He worked for several years in an auctioneering business in Dublin. Throughout his working life a lot of his spare time has been devoted to hillwalking and creative writing.
  In his most recent book 'Finding The Holy Grail' Jack covers many centuries of history and examines the legends surrounding the Holy Grail and how this sacred chalice influenced people.
  Jack looks at many different civilisations from the Romans to the medieval church to contemporary motion pictures. It is a story about heroes, faith and salvation.
  Jack is 56 years of age. Sadly both of his parents, Willie and Mary, are now dead. Willie was a general labourer and a keen fisherman.
  Jack has several brothers and sisters: Paddy is a builder in Birr; Ned is living in Holland where he works as a computer programmer for World Banks; Bill is a chef in Newry; Louise and Delia are both living in Birr; Bridget is married and living in Roscrea.
  Jack grew up and was educated in Birr and moved away from the town about 20 years ago. He has been living in Spain for the last few years.
  He first thought about writing a book on the Holy Grail four decades ago and he has written on the subject in his poetry. Among the many myths surrounding the Grail include the story that it is in fact the Ardagh Chalice and it was connected in some way with St Brendan the Navigator.
  The Holy Grail is a sacred object which according to legend was the cup that Christ used at the Last Supper. It's said to possess miraculous powers. Some writers said that Joseph of Arimathea used the Grail to catch Christ's blood while placing him in the tomb and that in Britain Joseph founded a line of guardians to keep the Grail safe. The legend might be a mixture of Christian myth and the Celtic tale of a cauldron possessed of special powers. In most versions of the legend the hero must prove himself worthy to be in its presence. The Grail is also a symbol of God's grace, available to all but only realized by those who prepare themselves spiritually, like the saintly Galahad.
  If you would like a copy of 'Finding the Holy Grail' then you can either email Jack at jj@jjegan.com or else telephone him at 00353872465646.

29/1/2010
Birr News Digest

Auction For Haiti
  A fundraising auction to aid the victims of the horrific earthquake in Haiti will be held in Dooly's Hotel, Birr on Sunday February 7th at 5p.m. If anyone has any items which they would like to donate for this auction please contact Paul Owens on (087) 1263179 or Sharon in Dooly's Hotel on (057) 9120032.

Friends Of Chernobyl Quiz
  The Friends of the Children of Chernobyl will hold a table quiz in Noonan's Bar, Ballingarry on Friday January 29th at 9p.m. Please support.

Birr Active Retirement Group 
  Birr Active Retirement Group will hold their next meeting on Thursday 28th January 2010 in the Resource Centre, Londis Car Park at 7.30p.m. All members are requested to attend and new members are very welcome. 

Community Alert 
  The official launch of Carrig/Riverstown/Killeen Community Alert will be held in the Community Hall in Carrig on January 27th at 7.30p.m. All welcome. 

Birr Garden Club 
  Birr Garden Club will meet in Dooly's Hotel on Tuesday 2nd February at 8p.m. Norman Davies from Milltown Garden Centre will be the guest speaker. New members welcome. 

Clareen ICA
  The next meeting of Clareen ICA Guild will be on Monday 1st of October at 8.30p.m.

Highfield United Lotto
  Numbers drawn in the Highfield United lotto this week were 1, 2, 10 and 23. No Jackpot winner. No match three. Five names drawn receive €30 each: John Kirwan, 21 Bulfin Park, Leonard Grainger, c/o Tony, Ann Hogan, c/o The Swan, Brendan, Joan and Daisy, c/o Palace Bar, Kieran Hermon c/o Stella. Next week's Jackpot is €11,400 and the draw takes place in The Sunrise Inn. Thanks to the Cherry Tree and everybody who supports the lotto every week.

Birr Association For People With An Intellectual Disability
  Out of consideration for the victims of the earthquake in Haiti and in order to give people an opportunity to contribute towards their relief, the committee of Birr Association for People with an Intellectual Disability decided to postpone their church gate collection due to have taken place on the weekend of January 23rd-24th. They hope to rearrange a collection at a later date.

Marian Hall Notes
  Bingo: The Jackpot on Friday night last was not won. The Jackpot this Friday night is €3,000 on 48 calls with a top game of €300 if not won. Calling as usual at 8.30p.m. sharp. 
  Progressive 25 Drive: Top prize on Sunday night was won on ten games by P.J. Nevin and James Gallogly. Two pair had nine games Paddy Daly and Coleman Loughnane, Jack Maher and Stephen Lonergan. The table prize was won by John Melia and Des Rosney while the last game went to Tom Carroll and Bridget Reddan. Raffle Prize winners were Kieran Maleaney, Liam Shanahan and Terri Kinahan. Cards continue on Sunday night with a jackpot of €100 on 14 games at 9p.m. sharp.

Seir Kieran Community Partnership
  The partnership will be holding their Senior Citizens' Party on Sunday 7th of February next. Thanks to all who supported the church gate collection to fund the party. Anyone who wishes to help with sponsorship on the day contact (057) 91 31308. Go raibh maith agaibh go léir.

Day Of Prayer And Reflection 
  Day of prayer and reflection led by Eddie Stones and team at Emmanuel House of Providence, Clonfert Ballinasloe, Co. Galway, Saturday January 30th at 10.30a.m. A packed lunch is advisable. All are welcome. 

Birr Mart 
  Bullocks: 2 aa 635kgs €900, 1 sim 690kgs €650, 1 lim 360kgs €630, 5 fr 533kgs €720, 1 ch 515kgs €780, 2 lim 380kgs €550, 1 aa 475kgs €680, 1 sim 495kgs €715, 1 ch 540kgs €815, 1 ch 535kgs €770. Heifers: 1 lim 435kgs €755, 1 ch 380kgs €610, 1 ch 505kgs €800, 1 lim 410kgs €660, 1 ch 510kgs €820, 1 ch 490kgs €780, 1 lim 660kgs €960, 1 ch 470kgs €760. Dry Cows: 1 fr 610kgs €550, 1 fr 485kgs €475, 1 sim 700kgs €745, 1 fr 455kgs €460, 1 fr 495kgs €475, 1 sim 550kgs €530. 

Sunrise Inn Golf Society 
  A Classic has been organised in aid of Haiti on 13th February in Birr Golf Club. A team of four will cost €100 and a timesheet will be in place at the Birr Clubhouse. Any other information contact John O'Halloran, Sunrise Inn. 
  The Society's first outing is on February 6th in Ballinasloe. 

Table Quiz 
  A table quiz in aid of Crinkill NS will be held in the Thatch on Thursday February 18th at 9p.m. €20 per table of four. General knowledge and fun quiz sponsored kindly by the Thatch. All welcome. 

Book Club 
  The next book club meeting will take place Monday, 8th February. The book is 'For Whom The Bell Tolls' by Ernest Hemingway. Anyone welcome along. For further info call (057) 91 39028.  

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).

Farmers Vegetable Market
  Farmers Vegetable Market will be in the Marian Hall Car Park every Saturday between 10a.m.-5p.m. Also there are Heneghan's Nursery and Athenry Foods. (Advert).
 
Foot Health Practitioner
  Foot health practitioner for all your foot needs. Do you suffer from corns, callus, athlete's foot, fungal infections? Call Anne Sherlock, RGN, SAC, Dip FHPT, SAC, Dip FHPP. Registered member of Chiropody/Podiatry Association. Available evenings and Saturdays. Phone (086) 2113494. (Advert).

Comhaltas News
  The committee of Birr Comhaltas would like to remind any members who have not paid their annual membership that this is now due. Likewise any person wishing to join the branch should give their application, along with the appropriate fee to any member of the committee. Membership costs €20 per family (any number); €12 for individuals or €6 for juniors. This entitles each adult member or family to a complimentary copy of the official Comhaltas magazine Treoir four times a year as well as local publications.
  The annual New Year Session, postponed due to the bad weather, has been refixed for Thursday 18th February at the same venue, The County Arms Hotel, with the same programme.
  For further information on either of the above please contact branch secretary Donal Morrissey (087) 9347968.

Crinkle Sports & Recreation
  Fitness Pilates each Monday 7-7.45p.m. Eight weeks €40. Adult Boxercise Mondays 7.45-8.30p..m. €5 per session. Contact Marguerite (086) 3339311.
 
Birr Theatre & Arts Centre
  On Friday 29th January don’t miss a real treat when Mary Coughlan comes to Birr with her show The House of Ill Repute. Also the name of her album, this show reprises her Irish honed concept of an afternoon reading group where Mary will tell her story in her own inimitable style. Book early to avoid disappointment!
  Banagher Drama Group present Moonshine on Saturday 30th January. This comedy set in a small Irish town in the 1990’s centres on the local Funeral Director come Theatre Director and the production of 'A Midsummer Night’s Dream'. This play is a real treat for audiences with side splitting humour and thought provoking emotions.  
  The Film Club will be showing La Boheme on Tuesday 2nd February and tells of four friends who decide to celebrate Christmas Eve. Two of these friends fall in love but tragedy strikes when one of them develops a fatal illness.
  Hailed as one of the world’s great guitarists, Eduardo Niebla returns to Birr after two years and promises a spellbinding evening of passion, verve and fleet fingered virtuosity from one of the most potent forces in flamenco jazz fusion.
  Box office opens 1p.m.-5.30p.m. Monday-Friday. (057) 9122911 or check out www.birrtheatre.com for further details.

Social Dancing
  Social dancing in Rath Community Centre on Thursday February 4th with music by Footloose.

Birr Photography Group
  'The Decade in Pictures' sideshow and talk, Thursday 28th January at 8p.m. in The Tin Jug Studio, Brendan Street, Birr. Learn new photographic skills, enjoy chat, share information, demonstrations and talks. New members always welcome. Call Joe on (087) 657 4820 or go online at www.birrphotogroup.org for more information.
 
Church of Ireland - Special Family Service
  This Sunday, 31st January, at 11.30a.m. there will be a special Family Holy Communion Service at St Brendan's Church of Ireland Church in Birr. At this service, there will be an enrolment for the Girls Friendly Society. There will be refreshments after the service. All are welcome. Sunday School will start at the 11.30a.m. service on the 7th of February.

Birr Methodist Church
  Birr Methodist Church will be holding a Praise Service at 7.00 p.m. this coming Sunday, January 31st. The speaker will be Rev. Conrad Hicks, who is currently serving in Dublin with his wife, Sonia. Both are ordained ministers of the British Methodist Church, and served for a while in Jamaica. Conrad has also recently been appointed to a new part-time post, that of Companion to the Methodist Church in Guatemala, and he will share thoughts on mission from both these perspectives.
 People of all denominations are welcome to attend this service and to stay for a cup of tea afterwards.

Ramblers In Eireann
  On Sunday 7th February, banish the Winter blues with an enjoyable day trip visiting Guinness Brewery and Glasnevin Cemetery in Dublin. Includes guided tours at both venues. The Glasnevin guided tour will visit the resting places of patriots such as Daniel O'Connell, Michael Collins, Eamon DeValera, Charles Stewart Parnell and many other men and women who have shaped Ireland's history. Bus departs from the Fivealley at 8.30a.m. sharp. Cost €38 each includes all guided tours and travel. Contact Sinead at tel. (057) 91 23794 (H); (086) 05 48143 (M) after 6pm. 
 
Speech And Drama
  Sarah Molloy School of Speech and Drama, classes resume Saturday January 30th, Marian Hall Birr. For further information call (086) 8107883.

Four Seasons Gardening Club
  Four Seasons Gardening Club are having their annual dinner on Monday February 8th at 8p.m. in Birr Golf Club. Meal and music €27 per person. everybody welcome. Names to Eileen at (057) 9135152 as soon as possible.
  The Club's week away is from Sunday April 25th to Friday April 30th to Kenmare Bay Hotel, Kenmare, Co. Kerry. €355 per person sharing, B & B plus dinner. €380 single room. Names to Eileen at (057) 9135152.

Kinnitty Fatima Pilgrimage
  Kinnitty Fatima Pilgrimage with Spiritual Director Fr Greg Corcoran from August 15th to 21st. Fare €650. Deposit of €150 to be paid by February 25th. For further details contact Phil Robinson (086) 2956299 or (057) 9137148.

The Impact Factor
  A free Business Development Seminar on high impact attitude, sales and customer service, will be held on Tuesday February 9th from 2p.m. to 5.15p.m. at the Shannon Development premises. Help make the most of your business in these difficult times. Contact/Text confirmation of attendance to Birr Chamber of Commerce (086) 3047229. 

Birr Neighbourhood Watch
  Birr Neighbourhood Watch request that all persons who have alarms that they are no longer using, would they return them to Neighbourhood Watch please. Also any relatives of clients, who have had alarms that are not being used now, could they return them as well please. Neighbourhood Watch needs these alarms for other clients.

HSE Suicide Prevention Service
  If you are concerned about a family member, friend or colleague and would like some advice, support or information, you can contact the HSE Suicide Prevention Service on (086) 8157320 at any time.
  Suicide is everyone's business and we can all play our part in preventing it happening by being vigilant, concerned and supportive to those we love and care about.

Drumcullen PTAA 
  Clara Regional Pioneer Annual Social Dance will be held in the Bridge House, Hotel Tullamore on Friday 5th February 2010. Tickets €20 each for adult, €10 for students available from Betty Spain at (086) 3279618. All welcome. Also the Annual PTAA Clara Regional Mass will be held in Killina Church on Sunday 7th February 2010 at 3p.m. 

Birr RFC 'Night At The Dogs'
  Birr RFC are running a fundraiser at Mullingar greyhound stadium on Saturday January 30th from 8p.m. Tickets are on sale in 'The Swan' pub and from all club members and cover the cost of the race card, entry to the stadium and entry to a draw; first prize €1,500. Buses are being run from the clubhouse on the night. All support is greatly appreciated on what promises to be a fantastic night.
 
Birr Parent And Toddler Group
  Birr Parent and Toddler Group meet every Tuesday morning from 10.15a.m. to 12.15p.m. in the Family Resource Centre in Glebe Street, Birr. There is lots of fun with toys and crafts for your toddlers and babies.  Why not come along and have a coffee while getting to know other parents/guardians. Cost €3 per family. Hope to see you there!

Sue Ryder Foundation
  The Sue Ryder Foundation is the largest provider of accommodation for the elderly in the country. They support this activity through their charity shop in Birr. If you have clothes or furniture to donate for the support of their work, contact them on (057) 91 21227 or call to the shop.

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.
  Kidz Kraftz Thursdays for 4-8 year age groups. Fridays for 8-12 year age group.
  Ba Bog parent and Toddler group meet on Tuesdays at 10.15a.m. 
  For more information on any of the above please call Mary on (057) 9121912 or email birrresourcecentre@eircom.net .

Helpline Charities
  AWARE; Helping to defeat depression and prevent suicide. Lo-Call Helpline 1890 303302
  TEEN-LINE IRELAND; Alone, worried or distressed - it just takes one phone call. Freephone 1800 833634.
  SAMARITANS; Always available 24/7 for confidential emotional support. Telephone 1850 60 90 90.
  I.A.S. Irish Association of Suicidology. Managing grief and loss after suicide. Telephone (094) 9250858
  LIVING LINKS; Providing practical help, advice and support to persons bereaved by suicide. Helpline; (087) 9693021.

29/1/2010
Local Band Nominated For Meteor Music Award

Offaly band Heirs To Nothing have been nominated for a Meteor Music award in the category 'Most promising new artist 2010'.
  To vote for the band go to http://meteormusicawards.meteor.ie/competitions/voting/65/ 
  Voting ends at midnight on Thursday 28th January and everyone can vote once a day until Thursday.
 Heirs To Nothing are an eager energetic indie/rock band from Birr. They have been together almost two years now and released their first single on September 25th last.
  The band was formed by Martin Bennett (lead singer and songwriter) and Bassist T.J. Brewer in late 2007 and have been busy up until now writing, recording and gigging to establish a firm fan base. Martin had just completed a short album called 'Backrooms' when T.J. took an interest and was invited along. They are a five piece band of all original material. The members are Martin Bennett (lead vocals and guitar), T.J. Brewer (bass and vocals), Stephen Hogan (lead guitar), Mike Maher (rhythm guitar and vocals) and David Maher (drums).
  The rest of the line-up had seen a number of changes up until last January, when Guitarist Steven Hogan stepped in. Steve brought a completely different style of guitar playing to the band a had no problem fitting in and adding his touch to the songs. Then in February, brothers Mike and David Maher joined for what was to be the final lineup for the Heirs To Nothing. 
  Things started to happen very fast for the band during the summer, with gigs in Limerick and at home in Birr. Towards August the band decided to launch their first single. The single 'Lover' was launched on 25th September and was very well received, reaching no. 13 in the Irish charts, the highest new entry of that week and the only independent band in the charts at the time. The band are currently working on putting their debut album together and getting ready for their next single, expected to come out early next year. 
  'The closest band to Thin Lizzy in Ireland at the moment without being a rip off is a band from Offaly called Heirs To Nothing'. Roddy Cleare WLRFM

29/1/2010
Wolftrap Cycling Club, Birr Annual Leisure Cycle

The recent cold weather took its toll on many sports and cycling was no exception. Local cyclists were curtailed by icy roads and there was very little cycling done over the Christmas holidays. However, there were alternatives, and for the adventurous it was mountain biking in the hills and forests, whilst others headed to the gym for indoor biking and spinning.  

Training Schedule
  For the next few months the club will meet once a week on Sunday mornings at 10.00a.m., for approximately two to three hours. If you are thinking of taking up cycling this is a good time of year to start, as fitness levels are down after the Christmas break, and the pace will be relaxed and steady. Different levels of fitness will be catered for, including beginners. If you would like to join them for a Sunday morning spin please contact Gary at (086) 3580978 or Bernie at (085) 1500519. All you need is a road worthy bike and a helmet.

Plans For 2010 
  The club has lots of plans for different activities, both competitive and non-competitive for the coming year: 
• following on last year’s very successful trip to the Pyrennes, this year the club is heading for Spain in May.   
• a summer handicapped league for club members, 
• supervised beginners’ cycles during the summer months, 
• leisure tours all over the country, 
• mountain biking and much more.     

Membership
  The club has members aged 18 to 70 years and cycling is an activity that can be enjoyed by all ages and at all levels of fitness. If you would like to join the club please contact Gary at (086) 3580978.  

29/1/2010
Mary Coughlan To Perform At Birr Theatre & Arts Centre

Mary Coughlan will be performing at Birr Theatre & Arts Centre on this Friday 29th January.
  An Irish theatrical torch-blues legend, Mary’s acclaimed new album is ‘The House of Ill Repute’. The album will be promoted alongside the release of her autobiography ‘Bloody Mary’ in February when she will embark on a UK Arts Centre tour. The show reprises her Irish honed concept of an afternoon reading group where Mary will be able to tell her unique story in her inimitable style followed by an evening show. Mary travelled to Australia this summer and played a sold-out night at the Sydney Opera House theatre and two festivals in New Zealand. 
  Mary Coughlan’s autobiography ‘Bloody Mary’ was released on October 8th published by Hachette Books. In this funny, moving and typically outspoken memoir, Ireland’s best-loved jazz singer pulls no punches in describing her redemption from alcoholism and drug addiction and gets to the heart of what made Mary so contrary.
  2010 sees the 25th anniversary of Mary Coughlan’s seminal album ‘Tired and Emotional’ which was Ireland’s biggest selling album in the year of release and is now seven times platinum. This will coincide with a selection of dates offering the unique opportunity to see Mary performing the album in full for the first time. 
  'Mother of five and grandmother of one, so far, she is an unlikely but transfixing performer, whether standing on one leg on a vertiginous high heel or kicking off her shoes to whisper, growl, [or] cry out loud.' 
  Mary Coughlan is appearing in the Birr Theatre, Birr on Friday 29th January 2010.

29/1/2010
Birr Under 19’s Reach League Semi-Final

Newbridge 5 Birr 7
Birr under 19 rugby team qualified for the semi-final of Division 1 of the Leinster League with a hard earned victory over Newbridge at the Curragh on Saturday last.
  Played in foggy conditions Birr settled into the game quickly and kept Newbridge pinned in their own half for most of the first half. The Newbridge defence was well marshalled and Birr found it difficult to cross their line. Michael Hough, at outhalf, kept the pressure on with some excellent line kicks while Brian Hoctor at fullback was comfortable under the high ball. Colm McEvoy on the wing made some probing runs from defence but by half time neither side had scored.
  Newbridge upped the tempo after half time and were rewarded with an unconverted try. The Birr players didn’t let their heads drop and continued to put pressure on the home team. The front five of Damien Gormley, Dean Bracken, Eoin O’Shea, Noel Lane and Malcolm Campbell provided a good platform for attack, while Mark Guinan was solid at scrum half. Newbridge were beginning to concede penalties and from one of these Michael Hough brought play five metres from the Newbridge line.
  Daniel Culleton won the resultant lineout and the forwards as a unit rucked the ball under the Newbridge posts with Eoin O’Shea getting the touchdown. Michael Hough converted giving Birr the lead 7-5. From the kick off Newbridge went all out for victory. Their out half orchestrated some slick moves by their backs but centres Peter Kelly and Sean Claffey kept the defensive line solid and Birr held on for a hard fought victory.
  Birr now play Gorey in the semi-final on Saturday next, the venue has yet to be decided. Thanks to all the support that travelled and the parents who provided transport. 
  Birr team: B. Hoctor, C. McEvoy, S. Claffey, P. Kelly, L. Delahunt; M. Hough, M. Guinan; D. Gormley, D. Bracken, E. O’Shea, M. Campbell, N. Lane, D. Culleton, D. Cole, S. Shaw Replacements: D. Parsons, L. Grimes, W. Gleeson, P. Donoghue.

29/1/2010
Golfing In The Glenns 

Spring League
  The entry sheets are up in the locker room for the Birr Credit Union sponsored Spring League. Members are advised that the closing date for entry is Monday 1st February. Due to the many difficulties with the weather this year, it is important to get this competition played on time, so please get your name in as quickly as possible.
For Your Diary
  Thursday 28th January; l0.15a.m. Seniors
  Ongoing Open 3-ball  any combination.
  Sunday 31st January; 14h Stableford.
  Tuesday 2nd February; 10.30a.m. Bridge in Club. All welcome.
  Friday 5th February; 8.30p.m. Poker Classic in Club.
  Sunday 14th February; 1p.m. Captains’ Drive in. Entries from 12.00 noon.
Poker Classic
  A Poker Classic night will take place in the Club on Friday 5th February. Tickets are available from Committee members. This should be a most enjoyable evening and all are welcome to come along and try out their luck and skills.
Special Offer
  A special surprise for golf beginners is this year’s offer from Birr Golf Club. All first time golfers can now avail of 2010 single membership for €450 and family membership for €750. This is an exceptional offer to first timers who can avail of all the facilities of a very friendly club and take part in all the activities and competitions throughout the year. This is your opportunity to join one of the Midland’s finest golf courses. There is no entry fee and all details can be had from the office: (057) 912 0082.
Open 3-Ball Competition
  An Open 3-Ball Competition is up and running until April 2010. The response has been very encouraging with a great turn-out over the past two weeks. The competition will be over 18 holes with the best two scores to count at each hole. The teams are composed of any combination ladies/gents and the competition is sponsored by Michael Horan of Birr Golf Shop and Driving Range, Callaway and Trackman. Three teams will qualify each month with the Grand Final in May 2010. Play will be from Monday to Saturday with the handicap limits of men/20 and ladies/30. Entry is €10 for members and €20 for visitors. This will be an exciting competition over the winter and spring and no doubt will prove attractive to all golfers
Dining In The Glenns
  Remember that our restaurant is open at the weekend for lunch each Sunday. Cathal reminds all his customers that there will be a special 4-Course Lunch on Valentine’s Day. Also on that evening he will have a 2-Course Early Bird menu served from 4p.m. to 7p.m. Cost €16. Book early and avoid disappointment  
Results
  9h Competition. 1st John Conniffe. 2nd Stephen Grogan 
  Seniors; 1st  Dick Johnston, Paul Walshe ,Michael Stephens 19;  2nd  Tom King, Paddy Byrne, Ron Sothern, Brian Guinan 20.
  Bridge; 1st  Maureen Bennett and Mary McGee. 2nd Mary O’Gorman and Roma Gilmartin.
Sponsors
  With so much environmental work in progress, sponsors are always welcome. Anybody who is interested in providing seats, tables or other items of furniture is asked to contact Francie at (057) 2857282
Congratulations
  Congratulations to Stephen Grogan on getting a hole-in-one at the 2nd on Sunday. Well done Stephen. Also to Shane Lowry on achieving such a great result in Abu Dhabi at the weekend. He is wished every success over the coming months.
Ladies Branch
  Winter / Spring League; The Winter/Spring League commenced on Sunday 24th January with eleven teams of six participating. All teams are posted on the notice board for your attention. Please familiarise yourself with the Rules and Format prior to playing. The first three rounds run up to Saturday 13th February with three scores counting each week. It has been agreed that the League Final will now take place on 20th March.   
  9 Hole Competition; The postponed 9-Hole Competition is now ongoing with the two best cards to count.
  Glenn Eagles; The Glenn Eagles will resume golf on Thursday, 4th February at 9.15a.m. weather permitting. It is hoped to see as many of the group out after the extended December and January break!
  Captain’s Drive-In; The Captain’s Drive-In takes place on Sunday 14th February with a 1p.m. start. The format will be a four-ball scramble so please come out and support our Captains Bernard Kennedy and Kathleen Doorley. More details to follow.
Sympathy
  The members offer deepest sympathy to Donal O’Brien and his family on the death of his sister Breda Lonergan in Dublin last week.

29/1/2010
Birr Town Training Camps

Birr Town in conjunction with Sylvia Gee (UEFA B Certified Coach) are running training camps at their club grounds on a Sunday morning. These sessions are for both boys and girls and start at 10a.m. for any child aged 6 and 7 and at 11a.m. for 8 and 9 year olds.
  They started last Sunday and cost just €15 for the four week session. Places are still available at all sessions and for the same price as above for the next three weeks. 
  This is a great chance to have any young child coached by a very experienced and professional coach. It is also great exercise and good fun for the children. So for anyone interested just come along with your child to our club grounds on Sunday morning. Kids should wear training gear and runners as these sessions are on the astro-turf pitch. All welcome. 

29/1/2010
Birr Town Girls Back In Action After Long Break

Midland Schoolgirls League U-14; Birr Town 0 Killeigh 0
  After nearly two months of inactivity Birr got back playing football again when their under 14 girls travelled to league leaders Killeigh last Saturday and emerged with a 0-0 draw. 
  Birr are currently in second and even though there were no goals it was end to end stuff and either team could have won it. Birr's Captain Emma Hart in goals had a busy day with plenty of shots to deal with which she did very well. 
  The Killeigh keeper made one brilliant save from a Leona Tyrell piledriver which she deflected over the bar, a save that Shay Given would be proud of. Birr's backline was excellent, Laura Keigher, Grace King, Sinead Garland and Leanne Madden playing very well as a group. 
  The midfield had plenty of work to do against a very strong Killeigh midfield, Ria Harding, Mave Monaghan, Leona Tyrell and Laura Shiels all doing well. Leading scorer Kayleigh Shiels was well marked up front and although she made some breaks never got a clean shot at goal due to great defence from Killeigh. Mairead Jennings her partner up front was also held well. 
  Laura Shiels was replaced early in the second half injured and Gillian Irwin went on in her place and played very well. A draw away from home to the top team is a good result Birr are still in second place just behind Killeigh so all to play for still. 
  Birr away to Edenderry next Saturday in the league. Thanks to the brave supporters who travelled to support them in Killeigh last Saturday. 
  Player of the match Leanne Madden. 
  Panel: Emma Hart (Capt), Grace King, Leanne Madden Laura Keigher, Sinead Garland, Leona Tyrell, Maeve Monaghan, Laura Shiels, Ria Harding, Kayleigh Sheils, Mairead Jennings, Erin Byrne, Megan Shiels, Gillan Irwin, Manager Lisa Byrne. 

15/1/2010
Councils Did Great Work During Big Chill Say Councillors

The councillors of North Tipperary and Offaly were this week unanimous in their praise of the Council outdoor and indoor staff for the work they did during the Big Chill.
  Meetings of the Nenagh Area Committee and Birr Town Council earlier this week both heard praise for the great work done by Council staff.
  During Monday's meeting of Nenagh Area Committee Cllr Jim Casey said the Council workers had done exceptionally well during the crisis.
  Cllr Seamie Morris said people shouldn't be too dependent on central government and should look after themselves more.
  Cllr Virginia O'Dowd commented that the public were often very critical of the response to the crisis by the government and the local authorities but this was an unprecedented event which affected much of Europe.
  She was very glad to see the Council provide water to those houses which had lost their water supply. The period had been a very difficult time for everyone she said.
  She was worried to hear about children skating on frozen lakes which was a dangerous thing and parents shouldn't permit it.
  'It is at times such as this,' remarked Cllr Hughie McGrath, 'when we see the outdoor staff step up to the mark when it is required to do so. They did tremendously well and were out working early in the morning and late at night. The Council did as best they could during this unprecedented period.
  'In the future though, when this happens again, I would like to see our housing estates gritted as well because they were treacherous.' He said the Council staff's phones were switched on whenever he called and he appreciated being able to contact them.
  Cllr Michael O'Meara commented that the Council staff did 'an exceptional amount of work over the cold snap period.' He was glad to see that when requested the Council also gritted the villages which was the commonsensical thing to do. He said it was unrealistic to expect all the roads to be gritted. He praised the IFA for their assistance during the crisis and all concerned neighbours who visited their elderly neighbours. 'All of this showed that decency and compassion are very much there in human nature.'
  Cllr Ger Darcy, Chairman, pointed out that people in rural areas were being visited by Council water tankers if they needed this service.
  At the Birr Town Council meeting last Monday evening Cllr John Carroll said the Council had done a very good job in gritting the roads in Birr. However, a number of people, he remarked, had unfortunately injured themselves by slipping. 'The outdoor staff worked very hard early in the morning and late at night.'
  Cllr Denis Tierney commented that the Town Engineer Willie Ryan and the Town Foreman Roger Smyth did very well. 'I have to take my hat off to them.'
  'It was a very difficult period,' said Cllr Denis Shiels, 'with weather that we weren't accustomed to. There are lessons to be learned. It is weather that we could be getting every year.'
  Cllr Michael Campbell pointed out that there could be water problems when the thaw sets in due to damaged pipes. 'I received two telephone calls about water problems during the period and Charlie Brophy sorted them out very quickly. We have little money in our budget and yet we did a huge amount of work.' He added that the outdoor staff is meeting the public and sometimes is meeting the public's rebuff.
  Cllr Tony McLoughlin, Chairman, commented that the indoor staff were inundated with telephone calls. 'I was heartened to see that today the Council provided a water tanker for the 20 odd houses which are without water'. He said a crisis like this hadn't been seen for over forty years, adding that the Council's winter maintenance fund of €10,000 is now nearly all gone.
  Director of Services Michael Roche said the staff worked above and beyond the call of duty.
  Cllr Noel Russell said one woman rang him and sang the praises of the Council staff. She said she saw the staff working on the streets at 7a.m.

15/1/2010
Birr Company Provides Gritting Sand Free To Local Councils

Because of the imminent shortage of gritting salt for the public roads, Loughnane Concrete in Birr decided to offer both Offaly County Council and North Tipperary County Council road gritting sand free of charge from Monday morning last for all collections from their Birr quarry for the duration of this cold spell.
  Both councils are collecting the sand and mixing it with rock salt to preserve their salt stocks during this crucial period. A good local supply of this gritting sand also allows the local authorities to sand extra rural and minor roads as well as footpaths and some housing estate roads.
  Loughnane Concrete have also extended this offer to the general public to collect free Gritting Sand at their quarry for their own private use. This should prove very beneficial to people who are struggling to access their back yards, outside fuel stores, side footpaths etc during the current icy conditions.
  The company hope their gesture demonstrates and reflects Loughnane Concrete’s genuine desire to help alleviate the hardship caused to our neighbours and the general public in these very difficult times.

15/1/2010
20 Houses Without Water In Birr

Up to  20 houses are this week without water in Birr because of the Big Chill. This time last week six houses had reported being without water in the town but in the meantime the freezing conditions worsened and the residents of several more houses were confronted with the unpleasant fact that they no longer had running water and they had left the 21st Century behind.
  The pipes froze leading to the houses and it isn't possible to do anything about the problem. The residents simply have to wait for the thaw to set in.
  Last week the Area Engineer Willie Ryan said the Council wouldn't be bringing water to the residents because its policy was only to do so when a larger number of houses were without water or if many houses in the one area had no water. At present, he said, the six houses were isolated houses.
  However, during the week the Council had a change of heart and began supplying all the houses by using the water hydrants on the roads.
   During the recent meeting of Birr Town Council Cllr Tony McLoughlin, Chairman, commented that the indoor staff were inundated with telephone calls during the Big Chill. 'I was heartened to see the Council providing water for the 20 houses which are without water'. He said a crisis like this hadn't been seen for over forty years, adding that the Council's winter maintenance fund of €10,000 is now nearly all gone.
  Meanwhile Birr Gardaí said there had been very few traffic accidents during the Big Freeze because the Council had gritted the roads and the public had slowed down their driving speed. The volume of traffic was greatly decreased around the region over the last few weeks as people only made journeys if they had to.
  However, Cllr John Carroll informed the recent Birr Council meeting that a small number of people had unfortunately injured themselves by slipping on the frozen roads and paths.
  Although a thaw has set in the freeze isn't over yet as temperatures during the night are still below freezing and the temperatures during the days are low. The Gardaí warned that the roads are still dangerous in places due to black ice.

15/1/2010
42nd Annual Birr Vintage Week & Arts Festival

It’s that time of year again when all minds turn to the summer and what is undoubtedly the highlight in the town’s calendar – the 42nd Annual Birr Vintage Week & Arts Festival! 
  The aim of the Festival is to recreate the historic atmosphere of the town whilst celebrating its contemporary culture through a dynamic all-inclusive programme of vintage and modern events for the whole community. This exciting and vibrant Festival celebrates the remarkable tradition and culture of Birr's Georgian Heritage and it is hoped that all Clubs, Societies and local organisations will get involved this year by holding events during the Festival Week.
  The Festival depends on volunteers and local organisations to help hold and run evens at all levels throughout the week so if you would like to become involved in any aspect of this Week by either joining the Committee or helping out in any capacity, please come along to the AGM which is being held on Friday 22nd January at 8.00p.m. in Dooly’s Hotel, Birr.
  For further details please contact Emma on (086) 6024432.

15/1/2010
Birr News Digest

Week Of Prayer For Christian Unity
  The annual Week of Prayer For Christian Unity takes place from Monday next January 18th to Monday January 25th. It will be marked by an opportunity for prayer and petition in St Brendan's Church of Ireland Church, which will be open on Saturday January 23rd and Sunday January 24th during which time you will have the chance to reflect and pray for your particular needs. Evening Prayer on Sunday January 24th at 7.30p.m. will close the week of prayer.

Women's Day Of Prayer
  A preparatory meeting for the Women's Day of Prayer will be held in the Methodist Church on Thursday January 21st at 8p.m. Those interested in this meeting are most welcome and encouraged to attend.

Comhaltas Session
  The members of Birr Comhaltas were very disappointed at having to postpone their New Year Session last week due to the bad weather. A new date will be arranged later when the awards planned will be presented. The resumption of the Set Dancing Class in the Marian Hall was deferred to this Thursday,15th January while the music class continues at the same venue each Monday. Full information on both these is available from branch secretary, Donal Morrissey, (087) 9347968.
 
Knitting & Crochet Circle
  The knitting & crochet circle with Mary Kinsella will resume on Wednesday 13th January at 5.30p.m. in Birr Library. Mary would also to welcome new members in 2010. This event will be held every Wednesday in Birr Library between 5.30p.m.–7.30p.m. For more information please contact Mary Kinsella at (086) 8792096 or Birr Library (057) 9124950.

Camcor Bridge Club
  Due to adverse weather conditions, there will be no bridge on this Wednesday January 13th. Members may enquire as to the date of resumption by phoning Michael at (086) 8251931 or Ann at (086) 1951906.

St Pio Mass
  The monthly Mass for St Pio will be celebrated in St Brendan's Church, Birr on Tuesday January 19th at 7.30p.m. Rosary at 7.15p.m.

Birr Historical Society
  Birr Historical Society will have an exciting start to 2010 at their monthly meeting on Monday January 18th in Dooly's Hotel, Birr, with a talk by popular Birr man Caimin O'Brien, the respected archaeologist with the Archaeology Survey of Ireland and author of 'Stories From A Sacred Landscape'. He will give an informative lecture on his forthcoming, much awaited book on local, regional, field and place names and their background meaning. All are welcome to come along and discuss your particular place name with Caimin.

Clareen Annual Parish Auction
  Clareen Annual Parish Auction, Sunday 24th January at 2p.m. Items for auction include fodder, timber, turf, briquettes, cake sale, and many entertaining side shows 

Birr Photography Group
  Birr Photography Group meet every Thursday at 8p.m. in Tin Jug Studio, Brendan Street, Birr. Learn new photographic skills, enjoy chat, share information, demonstrations and talks. New members always welcome. Call Joe on (087) 657 4820 or go online at www.birrphotogroup.org for more information.
 
Women Return To Learning Programme
  Co. Offaly VEC will run a part-time 'Women Return to Learning' programme in Scurragh Community Centre from January to June 2010. The aim of this Programme is to improve access to training and education by giving women the confidence and skills to take the next step on the educational ladder. The Programme will run two mornings per week (Monday & Wednesday) and is free of charge. Subjects covered include Food & Cookery, Computers, Personal Development, Colour Me Beautiful, Parenting, Budgeting and many other subjects. The course start date is 25th January 2010.
   All those interested in taking part are invited to attend an information morning in Scurragh Community Centre on Monday 18th January at 10.30a.m. Alternatively, please contact Alison/Margaret in Co. Offaly VEC on (057) 9352 280.
  This Programme is financially supported by the Department of Justice, Equality and Law Reform through the Equality for Women Measure, the National Women’s Strategy and the European Social Fund (ESF)
 
Birr Parent And Toddler Group
  Birr Parent and Toddler Group meet every Tuesday morning from 10.15a.m. to 12.30p.m. in the Family Resource Centre in Glebe Street, Birr. There is lots of fun with toys and crafts for your toddlers and babies.  Why not come along and have a coffee while getting to know other parents/guardians. Cost €3 per family. Hope to see you there!
 
Birr Theatre & Arts Centre
  Showcasing the cream of local song writing and performing artistry, The Birr Underground System will see the very best in new and original music with all of the bands and performers containing members from Birr. Come along on Saturday 16th January and support your local musicians in this one off live performance!
  The Film Club’s presentation on Tuesday 19th January is the Polish language film Katyn. The director is himself the son of a Polish cavalry officer who was murdered by the Soviets in what is known as the Katyn massacre and this film is typically unflinching.  
  Friday 22nd January sees the incomparable Maeve Higgins in her show 'Blabbing Away'. Maeve loves to blab and is pleased to have lots of new things to blab about to you. Her new stand up show is part fact, part advice, part recipe, part stupidity and ALL delivered to you in person! This is a show definitely not to be missed!
  The All New Hannah Montana & High School Musical Tribute Show on Saturday 23rd January is sure to have all ages up on their feet. Don’t miss all your kids’ favourite sing-a-long songs from the phenomenon that is High School Musical 1, 2 and 3 plus a rocking selection of anthems from everyone’s favourite pop star Hannah Montana. This is truly a show that will have your children singing and dancing all the way home!
  Box office opens 1p.m.-5.30p.m. Monday-Friday. (057) 9122911 or check out www.birrtheatre.com for further details.

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).

Farmers Vegetable Market
  Farmers Vegetable Market will be in the Marian Hall Car Park every Saturday between 10a.m.-5p.m. Also there are Heneghan's Nursery and Athenry Foods. (Advert).
 
Social Dancing
  There will be Social Dancing in the Shinrone Community Centre on this Saturday night, January 16th, with music provided by 'Pat and Richie'. Dancing will be from 9.30p.m. to 12.30a.m. Light refreshments will be available. Prize on door ticket. All are most welcome. So why not come along and have yourself a very enjoyable night?

Children's Art & Craft Classes
  'Kidzart at Tin Jug Studio' starts again shortly, for children aged 6-9 years. Beginning Wednesday 20th January, from 4.30-6p.m. A delightful schedule of creativity over the coming weeks, in a cosy, encouraging and calm atmosphere, at the little studio in a garden.
  Booking essential! Ring Rosalind (087) 668 1783/(057) 91 21818.

CRK Active Retirement Group
  The next meeting of Carrig Riverstown Killeen Active Retirement Group, which was scheduled for Monday next January 18th in Carrig Community Hall, has been cancelled.

Aerobic Classes
  Aerobic Classes restarting on Tuesday January 19th at 8p.m. in Birr Rugby Club. €7 per class, pay as you go. All welcome.

Eglish/Rath Parish
  Fr John Moorhead, PP, and the organisers of the recent sale of work thank all who supported the event or helped out in any way. Thanks to the people from outside the parish who sponsored prizes for the wheel of fortune, etc. The sale was a huge success and all proceeds go to church funds. Sincere good wishes to all for peace, health and happiness in 2010. Go raibh mile maith agaibh.

Hockey For Fun And Fitness
  Ladies Hockey has resumed on Tuesdays in St Brendan’s Community School Sportshall at 7.15p.m. New and returning players welcome and all equipment supplied. Just bring clean, dry runners! This is a great workout – a fast and energetic game to pick you up after the holiday inactivity. Come along and bring your friends – further details from (087) 2836675.

HSE Suicide Prevention Service
  If you are concerned about a family member, friend or colleague and would like some advice, support or information, you can contact the HSE Suicide Prevention Service on (086) 8157320 at any time.
  Suicide is everyone's business and we can all play our part in preventing it happening by being vigilant, concerned and supportive to those we love and care about.

Legitimate Bodies Dance Company
  Cristina Goletti, Nick Bryson and Rebecca Armstrong and Legitimate Bodies Dance Company are back in action at Birr Theatre and Arts Centre with a full programme of classes. For details of all the classes for January to March see below
  Yummy Dance - Starting Tuesday 26th January 2010:  Dance games for 3 to 5 year olds, to keep them acive and nurture their creativity. Tuesday 3p.m.-4p.m. (€50 for 5 classes or €12 drop-in)
  First Footing - Starting Tuesday 19th January 2010: Amazingly fun dance game sessions with lots breathless dance for 7-11 year olds. Tuesday 4.30-6.00p.m. (€60 for nine week block )
  Offaly Youth Dance - Starting Wednesday 20th January 2010: Offaly Youth Dance is the only chance to explore and perform contemporary dance in the county for 12-17 year-olds. Don’t miss it! Wednesday 5.30-7.30p.m. (€65 for nine week block)
  Ballet For Adults - Starting Wednesday 13th January 2010: If you ever dreamt of becoming a ballerina but never got the chance, come along to this lovely class and let the health benefits of ballet take you by surprise. Wednesday 8.00-9.30p.m. Int/Advance. Thursday 6.30-7.30p.m. Beginners (€100 for 10 classes or €12 drop-in)
  Pilates Classes - Starting Monday 18th/ Wednesday 20th January 2010: A wonderful body mind type of exercise that will improve your posture, your tone and make you look stronger, fitter and better! Mats and light resistance equipment provided. Mondays 11a.m.-12 noon. Wednesdays 1p.m.-2p.m./ 8p.m.-9p.m. (Price: €75 for six classes)
  To book any of these classes: Call Birr Theatre and Arts Centre Box Office between 1p.m. and 5.30p.m. (057) 9122911. E-mail: legitimatebodies@gmail.com

Social Dancing 
  There will be Social Dancing in Carrig Community Hall on Thursday 21st January 2010 from 9.30p.m. to 12.30a.m. Music by Tony Bird. Refreshments and draw on the night. All are welcome.

Marian Hall Notes
  Bingo; Bingo will resume on Friday night next with a jackpot of €3,000 on 48 calls with a top game of €300 if not won. Also on offer will be a free game of €100. Calling as usual at 8.30p.m.
  Progressive 25 Drive; Top prize on Sunday night was shared on 11 games by Vincent Cordial & Rodge Molloy, Joe Kerins & Frank Mulvey. Two pairs had 10 games, Tony Butler & Johnny Coughlan, Mick Caffrey & Frieda Tierney. The table prize was won by Paddy Heenan & Tom Kennedy while the last game went to Paddy Daly & Colman Loughnane. Raffle prizewinners were Frieda Tierney, Terri Kinahan and Tim Carey. Cards continue on Sunday night with a jackpot of €100 on 14 games. Cards at 9p.m. sharp.

Birr Town Lotto
  The numbers drawn in the Birr Town lotto this week were 2, 5, 7, 28 and the bonus number was 18. Congratulations to Ann O'Connor, Moorpark Street, who matched all four numbes and the bonus number and wins €8,200. Next week's jackpot is €2,000 and with the bonus number €5,000. The draw will take place in Nolan's on monday January 18th. Thanking all for your continued support.
  Due to the inclement weather, the U-8 training fixed for this Wednesday January 13th has been cancelled. Training for U-8s will resume on Wednesday January 20th at 5p.m.

Highfield United Lotto
  The numbers drawn in this week's Highfield United lotto draw were 6, 9, 13, 20. There was no jackpot winner or match three winner. Five names drawn win €30 each; Gina Hehir, c/o Noel; Sarah Shalloo, c/o W. Shortt; Jason Murphy, c/o B. Gallagher; Stephen Pardy, c/o Seller; Lori Coughlan, c/o Pilko's. Next week's jackpot is €11,000 and the draw takes place in The Fighting Cocks. Thanks to Whelahans and everybody who supports the lotto every week.

Sue Ryder Foundation
  The Sue Ryder Foundation is the largest provider of accommodation for the elderly in the country. They support this activity through their charity shop in Birr. If you have clothes or furniture to donate for the support of their work, contact them on (057) 91 21227 or call to the shop.

Services For Deaf And Hard Of Hearing People
  Services for Deaf and Hard of Hearing People on Wednesday 20th January, at the Old Health Centre, John's Terrace, Birr, from 10a.m. to 1p.m. This is a free service where you can get advice about hearing aids, equipment for your home to help you hear the doorbell, phone, smoke alarm, television. Also information on Irish Sign Language, Tinnitus and Lip-reading. Come in and have a chat, see some of the equipment and information leaflets available. No need for an appointment. HSE hearing aids can receive minor repairs and batteries for all hearing aids can be purchased for €3 for a packet of six. Appointments can be made for a private consultation for hearing aids in Tullamore; hearing aids are competitively priced at €950 or €1,250 each, or you can phone 1800 256 257. For more information please contact: DeafHear.ie Midlands, Church Street, Tullamore, Co. Offaly. Tel: (057) 9351606 Fax: (057) 9326425 Text: (057) 9326421 email: tullamore@deafhear.ie .

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.
  Adult Art Classes Mondays 5-7p.m. and 7p.m.-9p.m. - please note new class added starting 11th January.
  Beaded Jewellery Course - New courses starting. Expressions of interest being received for advanced courses..
  Adult Art Classes with Kathleen Tuesday 12.30p.m.-3.30p.m. This class is taking over from Judy Pearson.
  Children's Art with Tatiana on Wednesdays from 5p.m. 
  Kidz Kraftz Thursdays for 4-8 year age groups.
  Kidz Kraftz Fridays for 8-12 year age group.
  Ba Bog parent and Toddler group meet on Tuesdays at 10.15a.m. 
  For more information on any of the above please call Mary on (057) 9121912 or email birrresourcecentre@eircom.net .

Helpline Charities
  AWARE; Helping to defeat depression and prevent suicide. Lo-Call Helpline 1890 303302
  TEEN-LINE IRELAND; Alone, worried or distressed - it just takes one phone call. Freephone 1800 833634.
  SAMARITANS; Always available 24/7 for confidential emotional support. Telephone 1850 60 90 90.
  I.A.S. Irish Association of Suicidology. Managing grief and loss after suicide. Telephone (094) 9250858
  LIVING LINKS; Providing practical help, advice and support to persons bereaved by suicide. Helpline; (087) 9693021.

15/1/2010
Artist's First Solo Exhibition Opens In Birr

De Chirico once said, 'One must find the demon in everything' and 'one must discover the eye in everything.' This is the philosophy behind the art work of Ian Keaveny who launched his first art exhibition at the Birr Theatre and Arts Centre on a bitterly cold evening last Thursday. 
  Launching the exhibition, Venue Manager Emma Nee Haslam remarked that this was Ian's first solo exhibition, although he had exhibited previously at the Birr Theatre with other artists during Vintage Week. Ian has also recently exhibited in group shows in Áras an Chontae, Tullamore and Tin Jug Studio, Birr.
  The works of Keaveny hold a surrealist quality, as he stated with some candid humility. 'I am neither exotic or foreign but the world I inhabit strikes me as being a strange place, often on the edge of revealing a darker or brighter truth.' Ian commented that he paints, and continues to paint in the face of a world gone mad in search of novelty.    
  Mr Keaveny remarked that he collects old toys, discarded things, and listens to what they have to say to him, trying to find the demon and the story within them, the process of collection, triggering themes based on his childhood and experience of growing up with the feeling of being an observer and outsider disconnected from the mainstream of society.
  The artist also said he drew inspiration from stage sets on which he lets out his imagination. 'I have collected objects over the years to act out these dramas represented in my paintings. I try to listen to the voices that they might have. The paintings are a record of these plays.' 
  Ian commented, 'creating any kind of artist's statement is playing a game which is progressively bureaucratizing the creation of art and gradually excluding that which is genuinely unique and interesting, with that which is dull, management centred and tailored towards achieving funding and officially approved status.'
 'If what you want from my work is words or an easy explanation that reveals meaning, relieving you from the need to look at the work, I'm not giving you that. Visual work does not need the mediation of description to validate it, it works or it doesn't, and we find what we find there in the medium in which the search was initiated.'
 'The only thing I can give you is a title, the only description is within the work itself, if you cannot find it there then I have failed , and that's the only criteria that matters, that and painting.'
  Ian Keaveny originally hails from Birmingham, England and obtained a BA from the Winchester school of Art in Print Making and Fine Art. He moved to Rahan (Offaly) back in 1993 as a new age traveller with 10 other people. That commune fell apart and Ian proceeded to find work in a bicycle repair shop in Athlone. He then obtained a job as a craftworker at the HeartWork Co. between 2004 and 2008 and was just recently let go. 
  Originally much of Ian's artwork had centred around abstract paintings something that he now feels are a vacuous undertaking. 'The people who controlled the art world put forward the argument that abstract painting had strong merit. These were the people who controlled many artists' views from college onwards and proceeded during the inflated economic bubble to produce outrageously stupid works with equally outrageous prices. Dissected cows and defecating Madonna's were the order of the day and they were the one's that were lauded. I came to the realisation that much of modern art was abstract simply because it was fashionable. The absolute nonsense of much of it was often overlooked, take for instance Damien Hurst's Shark tank - it's all flash and no substance.  I personally felt I wanted to communicate properly as an artist with my audience and as far as I could tell the hogwash of modern abstract art left little scope for achieving that.'
  After being let go from his job Ian proceeded back to painting again but this time he pursued art that was more representational in style. He drew much of themes for the exhibition based upon childhood memories. There are a number of dark themes from mortality to problematical relationships portrayed Ian's such as 'Pandora's persecution of the innocents' or 'The Angel, the Virgin and the elephant in the room.' The works in many instances reflect stage sets with mannequins in place of people acting out some dark or emotive scene. 
  Ian's works will remain on display throughout the months of January and February at the Birr Theatre and Arts Centre and will be on view to the public at the gallery space in the foyer and Suas An Staighre. Other works by artist Ian Keaveny can be found online at www.iankeaveny.com.

15/1/2010
Mundy Nominated For Meteor Ireland Music Award

Birr singer /songwriter Mundy has been nominated once again for the prestigious Meteor Ireland Music Awards.
  He's been nominated in the Best Irish Male category and the awards ceremony will take place on the 19th February next at the RDS in Dublin.
  The other nominees in his category include Colin Devlin, Jerry Fish, Jack L and Christy Moore, which is certainly distinguished company to be keeping and shows us the high calibre of Mundy's talent.
  The affable Mundy's real name is Edmund Enright and his moniker derives from his name.
  His first album was the hugely successful 'Jellylegs' which was released back in 1996 when he was 20 years of age. His most successful song so far in his career has been 'To You I Bestow' which featured in Baz Luhrmann's excellent film 'Romeo + Juliet.'
  In 2000 Mundy split with his record label 'Epic' (it's common for artists to be at loggerheads with these big record companies) and set up his own label 'Camcor Records' named after a river which starts in the Slieve Blooms and flows through Birr.
  His 2002 album '24 Carat Hotel' contained another very popular song written by him called 'July' which gained a lot of airtime that summer. July is an ode to the joys of the Irish summer.
  In 2009 Mundy recorded his fourth studio album 'Strawberry Blood' with Irish producer Joe Chester and mixed a number of tracks with UK producer Andy Bradfield. The album features contributions from Shane McGowan and Gemma Hayes and came out worldwide on itunes with a bonus download video.
  'Strawberry Blood' has been called a beautiful and uplifting album that's a tonic for the recessionary times. When it was released last April Mundy commented, 'With what's going on with the country and the world, it's very easy to be negative and it's very easy to write negative songs. It's more challenging to be positive. This album is thought provoking and reflective but fun and upbeat. It's about taking on a challenge...and God loves a trier.'
  It looks like U2 will dominate the Meteor Awards as they have been nominated in three categories including the best Irish band.
  U2 have won 11 times before in the Meteor Awards and this time around they are also nominated for best Irish album for 'No Line on the Horizon.'

15/1/2010
Walking And Painting Weekends In Birr

A series of walking and painting weekends will be held in Birr during 2010.
  The weekends will be based in Tin Jug Studio on Brendan Street in Birr and the Studio will be co-ordinating the weekends with the Dublin-based adventure company 'Extreme Ireland'.
  '2010 will be a novel year for us,' commented Keith McDonnell manager of Extreme Ireland, 'as we are bringing in two new intriguing weekend tour ideas in Wicklow and the midlands.
  'From January we will be running photography weekends and art weekends in Wicklow. They will be two days long and the participants will get to spend a lot of time outdoors creating art and also time in the workshop for improving their techniques'.
  For more information people can look at http://www.extremeireland.ie/tours/photography_tours.aspx. They are full board weekends with a three course dinner on Saturday night. Two lunches included.
  'The participants,' said Keith, 'will create their own piece of work over the weekend which we will either frame if they are doing the photography weekend and deliver it to them or if they are on the ceramics weekend, we will be firing it into a kiln for them and delivering it to them the following week.
  'They will receive course notes and also a copy of the software they can use with their photography.
  'These weekends are based on having fun, spending time outdoors, and meeting people in a creative environment.
  'The tutors for the weekend have all excelled in their chosen fields and have a long history with the outdoors. Some of our artists are renowned internationally for their work'.

15/1/2010
Golfing In The Glenns 

Brighter Future?
  As of today, Monday, there seems to be some light at the end of the fairways. All going well. we may be released from captivity by early next week. In the meantime why not keep your swing in tune at Michael Horan’s Driving Range with perhaps a lesson or two from the resident Professional Kevin McGrath? 
Special Offer
  A special surprise for golf beginners is this year’s offer from Birr Golf Club. All first time golfers can now avail of 2010 single membership for €450 and family membership for €750. This is an exceptional offer to first timers who can avail of all the facilities of a very friendly club and take part in all the activities and competitions throughout the year.  This is your opportunity to join one of the Midland’s finest golf courses. There is no entry fee and all details can be had from the office: (057) 912 0082.
Open 3-Ball Competition
  An Open 3-Ball Competition is up and running until April 2010. The response has been very encouraging with a great turn-out over the past two weeks. The competition will be over 18 holes with the best two scores to count at each hole. The teams are composed of any combination ladies/gents and the competition is sponsored by Michael Horan of Birr Golf Shop and Driving Range, Callaway and Trackman. Three teams will qualify each month with the Grand Final in May 2010. Play will be from Monday to Saturday with the handicap limits of men/20 and ladies/30. Entry is €10 for members and €20 for visitors. This will be an exciting competition over the winter and spring and no doubt will prove attractive to all golfers. 
For Your Diary
  Open 3-ball, any combination ongoing.
  Sunday 17th January: Club open for special lunch.
  Tuesday 19th January; 10.30a.m. Bridge in Club. All welcome.
  Thursday 21st January; 10.15a.m. Seniors.
Results
  December Open 3-ball. 1st M. Molloy (Portumna), D. Cahalan (Portumna), Seymour (Nenagh) 91 pts. 2nd  K. McNamara, K. Maguire, D. Regan 86 pts. 3rd John Coughlan, Stephen Grogan, Bernard Kennedy 86 pts.
Sunday Lunch
  To shake off this winter of discontent, our Chef Cathal and his staff will serve a special Sunday lunch this weekend. After such a long period of hibernation why not treat yourself and family in our comfortable and welcoming restaurant?
Ladies’ Golf
  Winter /Spring League: It’s that time of the year again so do put your name forward for the Winter/Spring League. The list is posted in the Ladies Locker Room for your attention.   
  Juvenile Girls Coaching: If you know of any girls aged 12 to 14 years interested in learning to play golf, coaching will commence in February 2010 for ten weeks for one hour per week. This is a great opportunity for any young girl. For all details please contact Angela Hough at (086) 863 2621.

8/1/2010
Gardaí Issue Warning Over Road Conditions

Birr Gardaí warned this week of treacherous conditions across the region due to the persisting freeze which is set to last until this weekend at least.
  They cautioned motorists to take extreme care when travelling and to only travel if absolutely necessary.
  Thus far much of the region, bar upland areas, has escaped the heavy snowfalls which have afflicted other parts of the country.
  However daytime temperatures have been very low and at night the temperature has often fallen to minus 4°C or minus 5°C and sometimes as low as minus 8°C or minus 9°C.
  The Council says it is only gritting primary routes and secondary routes of importance which has left many roads in a lethal condition.
  There were only a few road accidents in the Birr area during the holiday season and these accidents, which were caused by the slippy road conditions, were of a minor nature.
  There have only been a few accidents because motorists are heeding the warnings and are driving cautiously or else not travelling. The volume of traffic in the region is well down.
  The roads that have been gritted include the N7 from Roscrea to Toomevara, the N52 from Birr to Roscrea and the N62 from Birr to Athlone.
  The Area Engineer can check the air temperatures through a weather prediction system called IceCast. IceCast works through a number of probes which are situated along the roads in Kilbeggan, Roscrea and Portlaoise.
  These probes interpret what the temperature will be like in the area each night. The system in turn is linked up to the computers of the area engineers in the town and county. They then able to organise the salting vehicle to begin the process of gritting the roads.
  It is costing Offaly County Council €8,000 each night to grit the roads. Yet many people are complaining that side roads are being neglected and are in a treacherous condition.
  With the icy weather set to persist and the possibility of more snow imminent, Offaly County Council say they begin gritting the roads from around six o'clock every evening. Between 40 and 50 tons of salt are spread on roads around Tullamore, Birr, Ferbane and Edenderry each night, taking up to two hours to complete. Ten members of staff across the four areas are employed in the work. 
  At the start of 2009 Offaly County Council purchased 120 tons of salt from Carrickmacross. From last Monday, January 4th, there were only nine days supply left.
  Footpaths are also causing problems for many and some people have already fallen.  It is understood that at least one person in Tullamore broke their wrist and another broke their arm after falling on the footpath.
  Some people have taken to walking on the road which poses an additional hazard for motorists.
  The Midland Regional Hospital at Tullamore reported a 5% increase in the number of people presenting at the Emergency Department for the week ending December 27th. 
  The Health Service Executive (HSE) say much of this can be attributed to the cold snap in the weather which has led to an increase in the number of people presenting with sprains and fractures as a result of slips and falls on icy roads and footpaths. 
  Cllr Peter Ormond said there are certain roads which are quite busy and haven't been gritted and these include part of the Birr to Shinrone road.
  Cllr Michael Loughnane commented that Birr Town Council isn't gritting private housing estates. He said that on the Wednesday before Christmas 400 tons of grit was delivered from Northern Ireland to Offaly.
  Meanwhile nationwide the AA experienced its busiest day ever last Monday with more than 700 calls for assistance by lunchtime. The freezing weather was affecting car battery and electrical systems.
  Also nationwide there was a significant increase in the number of visits to A&E departments with sprains and fractures from slips and falls on icy roads and footpaths.
  Most schools are due to re-open after the Christmas period, tomorrow (Thursday, January 7th). However bus drivers have no idea as yet if the buses will operate as normal.
  Acting CEO of Offaly VEC, Edward McEvoy, says all VEC schools in Offaly will definitely open and weather permitting buses will travel. 
  Mr McEvoy said it is up to bus drivers whether to drive children to school. 'Safety is the number one priority and drivers will not set out with a busload if the roads are not safe. But if a student only has a short walk to school, then why would we not open the schools?' asked Mr McEvoy.
In a statement from the Department of Education and Science in relation to the planned re-opening of schools this week against the backdrop of the bad weather conditions, the Department said it wished to clarify that it is a matter for individual boards of management to decide whether local weather and road conditions warrant the closure of a school.
  'In making these decisions, schools should consider such issues as access and safety. Schools are empowered to make such decisions locally without notifying the Department in advance,' said the statement.
  'Where days are lost during a school year due to bad weather or for other reasons - for example, heat or water systems failures - the board of management should make all reasonable efforts to make up these school days during the remainder of the same school year.
  'In relation to the operation of school bus transport services, Bus Éireann will make decisions locally based on its knowledge and assessment of prevailing conditions,' the statement concluded.
  Laois/Offaly Fine Gael TD Olwyn Enright has warned that the failure of the Government to provide additional emergency funding to local authorities in Laois and Offaly has left many secondary roads without grit. 
  Despite the freezing weather conditions, Deputy Enright, is hearing that many roads are not been gritted, especially secondary roads. 'Concerned motorists are saying that roads in their locality have been left ungritted, despite the ongoing severe weather conditions and many have found themselves unable to leave their homes.  
  'The weather we are currently experiencing is exceptional and exceptional measures are needed to cope with it. Local authorities’ budgets have been slashed and yet are expected to provide these vital but exceptional services that the public have a right to expect,' she stated. 
  'It is time for central Government to act and I am calling on the Environment Minister to recognise that emergency resources are needed by local authorities. Otherwise, people especially the elderly are prisoners in their own homes. 
  'Many of these roads now left ungritted would have been gritted in previous years. It is not acceptable that local authorities are being left unable to fund or without the manpower or materials to get the job done. It is essential work that is just being neglected by the Government. 
  'The Minister must ensure that funding is released immediately. Waiting until after accidents have happened, is not an option.
  'Our schools return towards the end of the week and Minister for Education must also ensure that all schools are in a position to ensure school yards are safely gritted for children’s well being. Local authorities should also pay particular attention to schools roads and bus routes,' said Deputy Enright.
  There will be even more problems when the thawing finally begins. Senior Engineer with Offaly County Council, Charlie McCarthy, says 'the problem with frost is it plays havoc with minor roads, when water freezes it expands when it thaws it bursts... it will probably leave a lot of pot holes after. We are continually patching up the roads,' he said.

8/1/2010
Hottest Day Of 2009 Recorded At Birr

The temperatures may be sub zero outside at present but the hottest day in Ireland last year was recorded at Birr at the beginning of June.
  The annual data from Met Eireann reveals that June 2nd was the hottest day of the year last year and a temperature of 27.5°C was recorded at both Birr and Claremorris on that date.
  This is the last year that Birr will feature in the Met Eireann data as the met station in the town closed late last year and moved to Gurteen College. Birr Meteorological Station began observing the weather on the 1st of October 1954. Prior to that Birr was one of four Irish telegraphing stations reporting for the British Meteorological Office which was operated by part-time observers who transferred to the Irish Meteorological Service on the 1st of April 1937. (The other stations were Malin Head, Blacksod Point and Roche's Point). The Fourth Earl of Rosse was interested in observing the weather and they started taking readings in Birr Castle from 1872. Readings may have been taken from high on the walls of the giant telescope. The closure of the station brings to an end 137 years of the town being connected with weather observation.
  Met Eireann is gradually phasing out any stations run by people and replacing them with automated set-ups. Because of its urban location the Birr set-up had for a long time been in a far from ideal place and it's more appropriate that the region's forecasting will now be done in a rural area.
  Birr regularly featured in these end of year reports, particularly for the hottest and coldest days of the year. It is five years since Birr recorded the country's hottest day of the year, when a temperature of 27.3°C was recorded in August 2004, but in three of the four following years, Birr recorded the coldest day in the year, -12.8°C in March 2005, -16.0°C in March 2006, the lowest such value recorded at Birr since 1982, and -12.8°C in February 2008.
  Last year Birr again hit the high spots with that 27.5°C, which was the Tuesday after the June Bank Holiday weekend. Despite very cold weather at the end of the year, mean annual air temperatures were around half a degree above normal for the 1961-90 period at most stations. Mean values were close to those of 2008. Mean air temperatures for most months were slightly higher than normal, while values for January were near normal and December was colder than normal everywhere. The highest temperatures of the year were observed during early summer at most stations, with both Birr and Claremorris measuring 27.5°C on June 2nd. The lowest values were recorded during early January and late December. Mullingar’s air and ground temperatures of -10.0°C and -13.0°C respectively on December 25th were the lowest at the station for almost 30 years. The total number of air frosts during the year of between 38 and 58 at inland stations was close to normal. 
  Annual sunshine totals were above normal everywhere, with Malin Head having its sunniest year since 1960. The sunniest months relative to normal were March, May and particularly June, which was the sunniest for over 50 years in places; August was the only relatively dull month generally. All stations measured their sunniest day of the year during June. 
  Annual rainfall totals were well above normal for the second successive year. They ranged from 918mm at Dublin Airport to 2175mm at Valentia Observatory, between 12% and 55% higher than the 30-year annual average amounts. Like the previous two years, the summer period of June to August was extremely wet, while November 2009 was the wettest November since records began at most stations and the wettest of any month on record in several places. Annual totals were the highest in over 50 years of record at both Mullingar and Johnstown Castle, while Valentia Observatory’s total was its highest since observations began in the area in 1866, considerably higher than its previous highest total of 1923mm in 2002. The exceptionally heavy rainfall brought extensive flooding during the late summer and again during November, especially in the west and south. The driest months relative to normal were March and September, but the annual number of wetdays (days with 1mm or more rainfall) was above normal everywhere, by between 10% and 20% generally; there were between 145 wetdays at Casement Aerodrome and 231 at Valentia Observatory. Most stations measured their highest daily fall of the year during November, but there were also very heavy falls locally over short periods during the summer months, usually associated with thunderstorms. 

Extreme Values For 2009
Rainfall 
  Highest annual total: 2175mm at Valentia Observatory (its wettest year since records began in the area in 1866).
  Lowest annual total: 918mm at Dublin Airport.
  Highest daily rainfall: 51.2mm at Cork Airport on November 19th. 
Temperature 
  Highest mean annual temperature: 11.1°C at Valentia Observatory (its coldest year since 2002).
  Lowest mean annual temperature: 8.7°C at Knock Airport (its coldest year since 2001).
  Highest temperature: 27.5°C at both Birr and Claremorris on June 2nd.
  Lowest air temperature: -10.0°C at Mullingar on December 25th (its lowest such value since January 1982).
  Lowest grass minimum temperature: -13.0°C at Mullingar on December 25th (its lowest such value since January 1982).
Sunshine  
  Highest annual total: 1561 hours at Dublin Airport.
  Lowest annual total: 1319 hours at Knock Airport.
  Highest daily sunshine: 16.0 hours at Casement Aerodrome on June 24th (its sunniest day since June 1988) 

  The new Met Station at Gurteen recorded the lowest amount of rainfall for the month of December with just 49mm, the monthly report from Met Eireann reveals.
  After relatively mild, wet and windy weather during the early part of December, there was a change to much colder conditions after mid-month, bringing severe frost and falls of snow in places. Mean air temperatures for the month were below normal everywhere, by around two degrees generally. It was the coldest December for 28 years over most of the country and the coldest of any month since February 1986 at a few stations. Air and ground frost were severe in many places during the second half of the month, particularly around the Christmas period, when Mullingar measured its lowest December temperatures for many years. There was a total of between 22 and 27 ground frosts during the month at inland stations, compared with the normal range for December in these areas of between 13 and 17.
  Rainfall totals for the month were below normal at most western and northern stations and above normal elsewhere.

Extreme Values For December 
Rainfall 
  Highest total: 199mm at Valentia Observatory.
  Lowest total: 49mm at Gurteen. 
  Highest daily rainfall: 40.3mm at Casement Aerodrome on 30th (its highest daily value for December since 1984).
Temperature 
  Highest mean monthly temperature: 5.9°C at Valentia Observatory (its coldest December since 1981). 
  Lowest mean monthly temperature: 2.3°C at Ballyhaise, Mullingar and Knock Airport (Mullingar’s coldest December since 1981). 
  Highest temperature: 13.1°C at Dublin Airport on 8th.
  Lowest air temperature: -10.0°C at Mullingar on 25th (its lowest such value for December since 1981). 
  Lowest grass minimum temperature: -13.0°C at Mullingar on 25th (its lowest such value for December since 1950). 
Sunshine
  Highest monthly total: 81 hours at Cork Airport (its sunniest December since 2001). 
  Lowest monthly total: 45 hours at Malin Head.
  Highest daily sunshine: 7.2 hours at Cork Airport on both 18th and 20th. 

8/1/2010
Birr Region Has Enough Grit For Ten Days

The Birr region has enough salt to grit the roads for another ten days and will be receiving a new supply of salt from County Antrim.
  Ireland's only salt mine is in County Antrim and in four days time hundreds of tonnes of salt from the mine will be delivered to Offaly.
  Willie Ryan, Area Engineer for the Birr region, said the Council is presently gritting the roads once a day during the night and is only gritting the national primary and national secondary routes. 'If we were to salt the county and regional roads as well,' he said, 'then we would run out of salt very quickly.' An exception was made for the Birr to Banagher and Birr to Cadamstown Roads which have been salted twice during the last couple of weeks.
  He said the Council has received many phone calls from people during recent days concerning the snow and ice conditions. Some of these are people living in rural areas who were asking that their roads be salted. They were told that this wouldn't be happening.
  Mr Ryan said if there are heavy snowfalls in the region during the coming days then the salt will run out considerably quicker than ten days.
  If there is heavy snowfall then perhaps the Birr company Romaquip should be approached. Romaquip manufactures snowploughs and it would be absurd if these ploughs weren't used in this area if it needed them.
  It is more typical for local authorities to grit twice a day during freezing conditions but many of them are now only gritting once a day.
  Meanwhile it was also reported that the mine in County Antrim had experienced difficulty in meeting demand due to the severity of the weather because its normal stockpile had been exhausted.
  On an annual basis about 50,000 to 60,000 tonnes of salt are used on national routes throughout Ireland and about two-thirds of that supply has already been used up.  

8/1/2010
Six Birr Houses Without Water Due To Freezing Conditions

Six houses in Birr are this week without water because of the freezing conditions. The houses are located at a number of different locations around the town and the residents are either having to get water from neighbours or buy it in shops.
  The Area Engineer Willie Ryan commented that pipes had frozen leading to the houses and it wasn't possible to do anything about the problem. He said the residents will have to wait until there is a thaw before they get their running water back. 
  The Council isn't bringing water to the residents in tankers because its policy is only to use tankers when a larger number of houses are without water or if many houses in the one area have no water. At present these six houses are isolated incidents.

8/1/2010
Birr News Digest

Ecumenical Carol Service
  The annual Ecumenical Carol Service celebrated its 40th Anniversary in St. Brendan’s Church of Ireland, the venue for the first one all those years ago, on the 20th December 2009, when the clergy and congregations of the three Christian traditions came together to join in preparation for Christmas. The singing was led by Birr Choral Society, also celebrating their 40th anniversary. Other choirs and singers joined in the celebrations, 'Applause' from Birr Community School under their Musical Director, Mr. Enda O’Connor and by 'Virtuoso' and 'The Ecumaniacs'. The service opened with the Carol, 'Once in Royal David’s City'. 
  The Revd. Ruth Gill welcomed everyone, remarking that it was wonderful to see so many present. Apologies had been received from Archdeacon Wayne Carney, Fr. Tony Cahir and Fr. Michael Reddin. The service proceeded without interruption with the Bible readings being read by Mr. Gerry Dolan, a founder member of Birr Choral Society, Alison - Countess of Rosse, Ms Kathleen Bailey, Ms Kathleen Garahy, Mr. Joseph Harding, Mr. James Haslam, the Revd. Rosemary Lindsay, Fr. David Carroll and the Revd. Ruth Gill. The three clergy joined in a shared blessing before the recessional Carol, 'Joy to the World'.
  The collection taken up during the service would be passed on to the Society of St. Vincent de Paul in Birr. Everyone was invited to light refreshments after the service before heading for home and a special word of thanks to Sylvia and George Vaugh and their helpers for organising this.
  With best wishes to one and all for 2010.
 
Have You Lost A Pair Of Glasses?
  A pair of reading glasses have been found in St. Brendan's Church of Ireland, left behind at some stage over Christmas. Please contact either Archdeacon Carney, the Revd. Ruth Gill or Mr. Jonathan Pyle (Polydome).

Highfield United
  Numbers drawn in the Highfield United lotto this week were 11, 18, 29 and 30. There was no jackpot or match three winners. Five names drawn receive €30 each - Brendan, Joan & Daisy, c/o Palace Bar, Liz Spain, c/o seller, Jim Kelly, c/o seller, Davina Dempsey, c/o Simon Dempsey, Mary Kinirons, c/o T. Granger. Next week's jackpot for €10,950 takes place in Whelahans. Thanks to The Cherry Tree and everybody who supports the lotto every week.

Birr Town Lotto
  The numbers drawn in this week's Birr Town lotto draw were 3, 13, 22, 24 and the bonus was 18. There was no jackpot or match three winners. Five lucky dip winners each get €40 - Mum, c/o Birr Town, The Holiday Fund, c/o J. Cahill, Winnie Cavanagh, Emma O'Brien, Crinkle, Mick & Carmel, c/o J. Kenny. Next week's jackpot will be €5,200 and with bonus prize €8,200. Next week's draw will take place in Whelahan's. Thanks to everybody for their continued support. 
  The entire club wish everyone a prosperous and happy new year. May it be a safe and happy one for all.

Birr Parent And Toddler Group
  Happy new year! Birr Parent and Toddler group will be back on Tuesday 12th January, 2010. They meet every Tuesday morning 10.15a.m.-12.30p.m. in the Family Resource Centre in Glebe Street. Lots of fun and toys for your toddlers and babies. Come and have a coffee while getting to know other parents and guardians. Cost is €3 per family. See you there!

Hockey For Fun And Fitness
  Ladies Hockey resumes on Tuesday 12th January in St Brendan’s Community School Sportshall at 7.15p.m. and every Tuesday thereafter. New and returning players welcome and all equipment supplied. Just bring clean, dry runners!
  This is a great workout – a fast and energetic game to pick you up after the holiday inactivity. Come along and bring your friends – further details from (087) 2836675.

Birr Photography Group
  Happy New Year. The first meeting of 2010 will be at 8p.m. on Thursday 7th January in The Tin Jug Studio, Brendan Street, Birr. New members always welcome. Call Joe on (087) 657 4820 or online at www.birrphotogroup.org for more information.

Crinkle Sports & Recreation Centre 
  Class timetable for 2010 at Crinkle Sports & Recreation Centre is as follows:
  Monday (start date January 4th 2010): Handball - Children 3p.m.-4.30p.m.; Handball (Teens 12+) 6p.m.-7p.m.; Fitness pilates 7p.m.-7.45p.m.; Boxercise-adults 7.45p.m.-8.30p.m.
  Wednesdays: Ladies handball 7p.m.-8p.m. Full training for novices, a good way to get fit for 2010.
  Thursdays: handball children 3p.m.-4.30p.m.; Kickboxing 7p.m.-8p.m.
  Fitness pilates: eight weeks - €40.00.

Offaly Writers Group
  The next meeting of Offaly Writers Group will take place in Birr on Thursday January 7th at Birr Resource Centre (Costcutters Supermarket car park). Meeting starts at 7.30p.m.

Marian Hall Notes
  Bingo: The Bingo on Friday night last was cancelled due to the adverse weather conditions. Bingo will hopefully resume this Friday night with a jackpot of €3,000 on 48 calls. Also a free game of €100. Top prize of €300 if jackpot not won. Calling starts at 8.30p.m.
  Progressive 25 Drive: Top prize on Sunday night last was won on 11 games by Tony and Mary Larkin. Second on ten games were Pat Heenan and Des Rosney. Two pairs had lucky nine games, Joe Cantwell and Peter Darcy, Jimmy Byrne and Stephen Lonergan. The last game was won by Dan Foley and Pat Smyth while the table prize was won by Johnny Keena and Billy McLoughlin. The raffle prize winners were Dolores Ryan, Kieran Melaney and Michael Ryan. Cards continue on Sunday night at 9p.m. with a Jackpot of €100 on 14 games.

Birr Social Club
  The final of the Teams snooker tournament in aid of the Birr Community Nursing Unit was played on Saturday night last between Miley's (Nolan's) and POCG (Prison Officers and Calor Gas). In Game 1 Barry Kennedy came from behind to beat Sean Cullen on the black; Game 2 Dermot Nolan was shocked by Mick Parlon Jnr who won on the pink; Game 3 Brian Nolan had an easy win over John Hickey; Game 4 Miley Nolan lost to a rejuvenated Jim Hickey on the black; Game 5 the decider: This set the scene for a thriller with Andrew Sullivan having to pot pink and black for a super win over Mick Parlon Snr for a 3-2 win for Miley's. In his presentation Derek Kelly (Chairman) thanked the two finalists for putting up such a great show but most of all a word of thanks to all who played in this tournament for such a worthy cause.

Variety Concert Cancelled
  A Variety Concert in aid of the Friends of the Children of Chernobyl which was due to take place in the Community Hall, Carrig, Birr this Friday 8th January has been cancelled due to the severe weather conditions. Sorry for any inconvenience caused.

Women Return To Learning Programme
  Co. Offaly VEC will run a part-time 'Women Return to Learning' programme in Scurragh Community Centre from January to June 2010. The aim of this Programme is to improve access to training and education by giving women the confidence and skills to take the next step on the educational ladder. The Programme will run two mornings per week (Monday & Wednesday) and is free of charge. Subjects covered include Food & Cookery, Computers, Personal Development, Colour Me Beautiful, Parenting, Budgeting and many other subjects. For further information, please contact Alison/ Margaret in Co. Offaly VEC on (057) 9352280.
  This Programme is financially supported by the Department of Justice, Equality and Law Reform through the Equality for Women Measure, the National Women’s Strategy and the European Social Fund (ESF)
 
Social Dancing Cancelled
  Social dancing which was scheduled to take place in Rath Community Centre on this Thursday has been cancelled for this week due to the severe weather conditions.

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).

Farmers Vegetable Market
  Farmers Vegetable Market will be in the Marian Hall Car Park every Saturday between 10a.m.-5p.m. Also there are Heneghan's Nursery and Athenry Foods. (Advert).
 
St Brendan's Market
  St Brendan's Market will be back as usual on this Friday 8th of January 2010 at 2.30p.m.

Birr Book Club
  The next Book Club meeting will be held on Monday January 11th. The book for this month is 'The Winter Ghosts' by Kate Mosse (chosen by Pauline). New members welcome. (057) 9139028.

Birr Art Group
  Birr Art Group begins on the 12th of January at Birr Resource Centre and every Tuesday from midday to 3p.m. €60 for six sessions. Refreshments provided. Contact Kathleen Gormley (057) 91 25660 or (087) 6819990.

HSE Suicide Prevention Service
  If you are concerned about a family member, friend or colleague and would like some advice, support or information, you can contact the HSE Suicide Prevention Service on (086) 8157320 at any time.
  Suicide is everyone's business and we can all play our part in preventing it happening by being vigilant, concerned and supportive to those we love and care about.

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 John (086) 8033126 or (057) 9351124. Website: www.grow.ie Infoline: 1890 474 474.

Sue Ryder Foundation
  The Sue Ryder Foundation is the largest provider of accommodation for the elderly in the country. They support this activity through their charity shop in Birr. If you have clothes or furniture to donate for the support of their work, contact them on (057) 91 21227 or call to the shop.

Services For Deaf And Hard Of Hearing People
  Services for Deaf and Hard of Hearing People on Wednesday 6th & 20th January, at the Old Health Centre, Johns Terrace, Birr, from 10a.m. to 1p.m. This is a free service where you can get advice about hearing aids, equipment for your home to help you hear the doorbell, phone, smoke alarm, television. Also information on Irish Sign Language, Tinnitus and Lip-reading. Come in and have a chat, see some of the equipment and information leaflets available. No need for an appointment. HSE hearing aids can receive minor repairs and batteries for all hearing aids can be purchased for €3 for a packet of six. Appointments can be made for a private consultation for hearing aids in Tullamore; hearing aids are competitively priced at €950 or €1,250 each, or you can phone 1800 256 257. For more information please contact: DeafHear.ie Midlands, Church Street, Tullamore, Co. Offaly. Tel: (057) 9351606 Fax: (057) 9326425 Text: (057) 9326421 email: tullamore@deafhear.ie .

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.
  Groups will be back after the Christmas Break and new courses will be starting
  Adult Art Classes Mondays 5-7p.m. and 7p.m.-9p.m. - please note new class added starting 11th January.
  Beaded Jewellery Course - New courses starting. Expressions of interest being received for advanced courses..
  Adult Art Classes with Kathleen starting Tuesday 12th January 12.30p.m.-3.30p.m. This class is taking over from Judy Pearson.
  Children's Art with Tatiana on Wednesdays from 5p.m. Starting back 6th January.
  Kidz Kraftz Thursdays for 4-8 year age groups starting back 7th January.
  Kidz Kraftz Fridays for 8-12 year age group starting back 8th January.
  Ba Bog parent and Toddler group meet on Tuesdays at 10.15a.m. back 12th January.
  Birr Community and Family Resource Centre would like to thank everyone for their support in 2009 and wish them a Happy New Year for 2010.
  For more information on any of the above please call Mary on (057) 9121912 or email birrresourcecentre@eircom.net .

Helpline Charities
  AWARE; Helping to defeat depression and prevent suicide. Lo-Call Helpline 1890 303302
  TEEN-LINE IRELAND; Alone, worried or distressed - it just takes one phone call. Freephone 1800 833634.
  SAMARITANS; Always available 24/7 for confidential emotional support. Telephone 1850 60 90 90.
  I.A.S. Irish Association of Suicidology. Managing grief and loss after suicide. Telephone (094) 9250858
  LIVING LINKS; Providing practical help, advice and support to persons bereaved by suicide. Helpline; (087) 9693021.

8/1/2010
Council Asks Public To Turn Taps Off During Freeze

Birr Town Council is appealing to people in Birr to turn their taps off during the big freeze.
  Speaking to the Midland Tribune Charlie Brophy said that it is customary for people to leave their taps running during periods of cold weather to stop their water freezing.
  However, in Birr this practice could lead to an unavailability of water which may mean people on higher ground will have no water. This would mean water tankers would have to supply water to the homes and industries affected.
  Mr Brophy commented that because of the number of houses that have been built in Birr in recent years the water volume can just about cope with the demand. A new and larger reservoir is needed, however with the current recession it is uncertain when this will be constructed.
  Water leakage due to burst pipes is a big problem in South Offaly. Some of this is due to old pipes, some of it due to other problems such as the installation of broadband.
  During the Christmas period a house on Brendan Street in Birr was left without water because of a pipe that had been damaged during broadband work. On Eden Road another pipe began to waste water and the water leaked up through the ground. In Fairview a house has been without water because of a pipe that has frozen during the current cold period.

8/1/2010
The Birr Underground System Will Showcase Local Talent

Taking place at Birr Theatre and Arts Centre on Saturday 16th January, The Birr Underground System is a concert that will showcase the cream of local song writing and performing artistry. 
  Performing on the night will be four acts, all with members from Birr, and all releasing new material in the near future. Dana Donnelly, Heirs to Nothing, John Shelly & The Creatures and Reef-Stained will each be on show and will be part of what promises to be a very enjoyable evening’s entertainment. All acts will be playing their own music on the night and will be available after the show for a chat or EP sales. With success stories like Mundy and Roesy hailing from Birr, it’s important that the people of the town support these musicians and help them to duplicate such acclaim.
  Dana Donnelly, who has been song writing from a very early age, was and continues to be musically influenced by her Grandfather and siblings and has performed her own music in many venues throughout the country. One of her most notable performances was that of the Garden Sessions in Birr in 2006 and her song ‘Take Me Away’ featured on the resulting album. Dana studied Music Performance in Ballyfermot College of Music and followed this up with Music Business and Production. From there she worked in the post production department of Windmill Lane Studios in Dublin and currently works for Elevate Music in the capital. At the moment, Dana is recording new material, some of which we will be treated to on the night.
  Heirs to Nothing tasted their first bite of success in the recent past when their first single, ‘Lover’, launched in September of last year, reached number thirteen in the Irish charts - the highest new entry of that week and the only independent band in the charts at the time. The current incarnation of the band, which takes its members from Birr and its hinterland, formed about a year ago when singer and frontman Martin Bennett together with bassist T.J. Brewer added guitarist Stephen Hogan and brothers Mike & David Maher to their ranks. The band quickly gained momentum and reputation following successful gigs at home, Dublin and Limerick. At the moment, the quintet are working on putting their debut album together and getting ready for their next single, expected to be released in the coming weeks.
  Having just signed a publishing deal with ‘Big Life Music’ (Snow Patrol, The Verve, Badly Drawn Boy…), John Shelly and the Creatures’ new single 'Long May You Reign', to be released on 30th March, is featured on the new Northern Ireland Tourist Board TV, Radio and Cinema ads.
  The band formed in February 2007 and are comprised of members Dave (aka Walter) Kennedy, Philip Watts d’Alton, Ger Gormley and Kev Carlisle. Soon after forming, the band released their first EP 'Big Day Out'. Following this and a large number of live dates the band released their first single 'Angeline' to much critical acclaim and wide airplay. In July 2009 John Shelly and the Creatures won Best New Irish Act at the Balcony TV awards. Their nationwide tour which sees them headline some of the country’s most prestigious music venues begins early next month. 
  After winning the Connaught regional final of the Blast Beat competition, Reef-Stained were narrowly defeated in the National finals in Dublin. The punk-rock quartet from Birr and Portumna have been gigging regularly around the country and have recently played gigs at the Roisin Dubh in Galway and The Academy in Dublin. They released their first EP ‘Starstruck’ late last year and have enjoyed well deserved success on the live circuit since, earning themselves a large and dedicated fan-base. The band formed in 2006 partly as a result of the’ school of rock’ project in Birr and have flourished ever since. The four members are Mike Dalton, Peter Kelly, Brian Murphy and Mark Finnerty. Definitely one to watch for the future. 
  Boasting such talented, diverse and successful acts, The Birr Underground System is gearing up to be a tremendous display of home-grown musical entertainment. A night not to be missed by anyone wishing to see genuine musicians play genuine music. It’s not easy to write, perform, record and produce music in today’s market and these four acts are exceptionally talented and hard-working. Your support would be much appreciated.
  The Birr Underground System. Saturday 16th January, Birr Theatre and Arts Centre. 8p.m. €10/€12. Bookings: (057) 9122911. Early booking is advised.

Legitimate Bodies Dance Company Building Impressive Reputation In Birr

Legitimate Bodies Dance Company, the Midlands very own resident contemporary dance is now into its third year located in Birr Theatre and Arts Centre. Funded by Offaly County Council, the company is building up an impressive track record as a new artistic reality with their eyes firmly fixed on the future of contemporary dance in Ireland. In 2009 alone the company performed work from their repertory in Ireland, N. Ireland, England, Scotland, USA, Mexico, Italy, Czech Republic, Cyprus including some prestigious festivals and venues such as Robin Howard Theatre in London and the Edinburgh Fringe and Belfast festivals. 
  In Birr Theatre and Arts Centre, Cristina Goletti, Nick Bryson and Rebecca Armstrong are back in 2010 with a full programme of classes, so there can be no more excuse for you not to get off on the right foot this year. Keep your body in shape while meeting new people at the same time.
  The popular and well-tailored ballet class for adults is the first to get under way, this time at two separate levels to suit your own confidence and experience under the experienced gaze of Rebecca. Pilates has also been catching on in recent months and returns three times a week. Led by Cristina, this is a body mind type of exercise that will improve your posture, your tone and make you look stronger, fitter and better! Mats and light resistance equipment are provided. 
  For children between 7 and 11 they will once again be persuading them of the sheer fun of dance games and learning some simple dance sequences that improve rhythm and co-ordination. There is also the chance to perform at the end of the year. Offaly Youth Dance is building up a reputation as a group of committed young people learning skills in contemporary dance and presenting their work in youth dance festivals in Dublin and Wexford as well as at home in Birr. They are always interested in young people coming along to give it a try.
  Last but not least, the popular Yummy Dance has come to fully justify its place in their schedule with a new generation of 3 to 5 year-olds being led through a series of rewarding and nurturing creative dance games.
  Why not give dance a try!?
  For details of all the classes for January to March see below
  YUMMY DANCE- Starting Tuesday 26th January 2010
  Dance games for 3 to 5 year olds, to keep them acive and nurture their creativity.
Tuesday 3p.m.-4p.m. (€50 for 5 classes or €12 drop-in)
  FIRST FOOTING- Starting Tuesday 19th January 2010
  Amazingly fun dance game sessions with lots breathless dance for 7-11 year olds.
Tuesday 4.30-6.00p.m. (€60 for nine week block )
  OFFALY YOUTH DANCE- Starting Wednesday 20th January 2010
  Offaly Youth Dance is the only chance to explore and perform contemporary dance in the county for 12-17 year-olds. Don’t miss it! Wednesday 5.30-7.30p.m. (€65 for nine week block)
  BALLET FOR ADULTS- Starting Wednesday 13th January 2010
  If you ever dreamt of becoming a ballerina but never got the chance, come along to this lovely class and let the health benefits of ballet take you by surprise.
  Wednesday 8.00-9.30p.m. Int/Advance. Thursday 6.30-7.30p.m. Beginners (€100 for 10 classes or €12 drop-in)
  PILATES CLASSES- Starting Monday 18th/ Wednesday 20th January 2010
  A wonderful body mind type of exercise that will improve your posture, your tone and make you look stronger, fitter and better! Mats and light resistance equipment provided.
Mondays 11a.m.-12 noon. Wednesday s 1p.m.-2p.m./ 8p.m.-9p.m. (Price: €75 for six classes)
  To book any of these classes: Call Birr Theatre and Arts Centre Box Office between 1p.m. and 5.30p.m. (057) 9122911. E-mail: legitimatebodies@gmail.com

8/1/2010
Golfing In The Glenns 

The Big Freeze
  With no end in sight to the ‘big freeze’ the Glenns is experiencing an extended holiday. The forecasters are offering some hope for the weekend when frustrated golfers may get some respite. The Birr Committee has not been idle over recent days. A Poker Classic has been organised for Friday 5th February commencing in the club at 8.30p.m. Admission is €30 and everyone is welcome to take part in a very enjoyable social event. So please put the date in your diary. Call Joan at (057) 912 0082 for further details.
For Your Diary
  Open 3-ball ongoing
  Thursday 14th January; 10.15a.m. Seniors.
  Tuesday 12th January; 10.30a.m. Bridge in Clubhouse.
  Friday 5th February; 8.30p.m. Poker Classic in Club.
Special Offer
  A special surprise for golf beginners is this year’s offer from Birr Golf Club. All first time golfers can now avail of 2010 single membership for €450 and family membership for €750. This is an exceptional offer to first timers who can avail of all the facilities of a very friendly club and take part in all the activities and competitions throughout the year. This is your opportunity to join one of the Midland’s finest golf courses. There is no entry fee and all details can be had from the office: (057) 912 0082.
Open 3-Ball Competition
  An Open 3-Ball Competition is up and running until April 2010. The response has been very encouraging with a great turn-out over the past two weeks. The competition will be over 18 holes with the best two scores to count at each hole. The teams are composed of any combination ladies/gents and the competition is sponsored by Michael Horan of Birr Golf Shop and Driving Range, Callaway and Trackman. Three teams will qualify each month with the Grand Final in May 2010. Play will be from Monday to Saturday with the handicap limits of men/20 and ladies/30. Entry is €10 for members and €20 for visitors. This will be an exciting competition over the winter and spring and no doubt will prove attractive to all golfers. 
Ladies’ Golf
  Winter / Spring League; It’s that time of the year again so do put your name forward for the Winter / Spring League. The list is posted in the Ladies Locker Room for your attention.   
 Juvenile Girls Coaching; If you know of any girls aged 12 to 14 years interested in learning to play golf, coaching will commence in February 2010 for ten weeks for one hour per week. This is a great opportunity for any young girl. For all details please contact Angela Hough at (086) 863 2621. 
Sympathy
  The members offer deepest sympathy to Sheila Flynn and her family on the death of her brother Brendan Rafferty in Belfast. To Brother Denis Minehane and his family on the death of his sister Betty Cotter in Drimoleague. To Pat Fleury and her family on the death of her sister Brid Caldwell in Buncrana.