Lorrha Notes
Happy Christmas to all our readers and contributors and all the best in 2016.
Waiting for Santa in Lorrha school
Waiting for Santa in Rathcabbin School
Christmas party time in St. Kieran’s Care Home Rathcabbin.
One of the roads which is in a dreadful condition in the townsland of Coolross, Ballyea, Glenbower, Corrigeen, Culleen, Derry area of the parish.
2016 Lorrha Calendar.
Get your copy of the 2016 Lorrha/Dorrha Parish Calendar which is on sale throughout the parish and also in Portumna and Borrisokane. If you would like to have a copy posted to you, call (086) 8647166 or email info@54.171.167.182
Church News.
Christmas Eve Mass will be celebrated in Rathcabbin Church at 8.00pm. Christmas Day Mass will be celebrated at 9.30am in Redwood Church and at 11.00am in Lorrha Church.
Late Liam (William) O’Meara.
The peaceful death occurred after a short illness at Tullamore Hospital on Thursday 17th December of Liam O’Meara, The Lake, Lorrha. Liam was a familiar sight around Lorrha in his little red car and in particular coming and going to and from church where he loved meeting the neighbours for a chat afterwards and his gentle smile endeared him to all. Liam who was 87 years old worked the farm that he was born into, all of his life and in the early 1960’s he also took on extra work in McAnish saw mills in Portland. A devout and religious man, he was content and happy with the simple things in life. His work was his hobby as well as playing the accordion, something he did just a week before his death as he entertained the residents of the nursing home in Portumna where his brother and sister reside. One big interest he held in life was the GAA at both local and county level as he took a keen interest in all the games regardless of their county. A true gentleman, he will be sadly missed by all who knew him but in particular by his family. Predeceased by his sister Maryanne he is survived by his sisters Bridget (Portumna), Freda Tierney (Birr), brothers Sean (Rathcabbin), Thomas (Portumna), Flan (Cork), brothers –in- law, sisters –in-law, nieces, nephews, grand nieces, grand nephews, cousins, relatives and friends to whom sympathy is offered. After funeral Mass on Saturday 19th in St. Ruadhan’s Church Lorrha, burial took place in the adjoining cemetery. May he rest in peace.
Winter De-Clutter.
Thinking of clearing out the wardrobe to make room for the Winter collection? Lorrha Development/ Tidy Towns continue with unused clothes collection throughout the Winter months. De-clutter your wardrobe, attack your attic, recycle all unwanted/unused items of clothing to make room for your Winter collection. We will accept any kind of bag or in bags provided by the committee. We can collect your unwanted items. Just call or text (086) 8647166, (086) 8493595 or (086) 8355405 with your name and details. Please note we cannot accept Duvets, bedding, household linen, pillows and cushions, carpets, rugs and mats (including bath, shower and toilet mats), soiled or wet clothing. We appreciate your support. All money raised from all fundraising ventures is used for the ongoing work around Lorrha Village which helps to keep two adults employed.
Portumna Fit Town.
Portumna getting set to battle for fittest Galway Town for a second year running. The deadline for application is fast approaching so Cllr. Anne Rabbitte, Orla Kennedy, Vincent OHara & Sarah Killeen as a committee are calling on those to please come forward with all suggestions for the year ahead? How your club/school/group/business or organisation in the town and surrounds would like to partake in fit Towns 2016. What initiatives your club would like to roll out during the fit towns judging period of February 1st – March 13th? Ideas may be emailed tofittownsportumna@gmail.com or contact Orla on 0874313917 or drop off in The Hub or Engine Room. All suggestions welcome. Wishing you all a very happy Christmas and new year from Fit Town Portumna.
Portumna Arts Group Annual Celebration, 6th January 2016
Portumna Arts Group would like to wish all our friends, sponsors, performers, volunteers and audiences a very Happy Christmas! And, on the 12th night as is customary, the annual Arts Dinner will this year take place in O’Meara’s Restaurant on Jan 6th at 7.15 pm. Varied menu available for €15 (2 courses) or €20 (3 courses). With a complimentary glass of wine and lots of fun, this is an ideal way to celebrate the last day of Christmas. Booking is essential – drop your deposit of €15 to Noelle in Hayes & Hayes Pharmacy or Joan in the Credit Union. Tel: 085-1925466.
GAA Notes.
Under 21: Lorrha will take on Portroe in the North Under 21 ‘B’ Hurling semi-final on St Stephen’s Day in Puckane at 1.30pm. The players have worked hard despite a long wait. All support would be appreciated and a nice way to get out after Christmas.
Auction: The Auction, Sale of Work and Wheel of Fortune will now take place on Sunday, 17th January 2016 at 2pm.
AGM: The Annual General Meeting of Lorrha GAA Club took place last Tuesday night and was well attended. Secretary Shane Brophy provided a report of the years on-field activities which was highlighted by the junior hurling team win the league on two occasions. He also referenced Patrick Maher’s success with Tipperary in the Munster Championship as well as the passing of Tony Reddin. Treasurer Declan O’Meara gave a detailed report in which the club is continuing to meet its obligations but a major fundraiser is required with regard to the loan on the recent development. Kevin Molloy provided details of the CountryFest Music festival which will take place on 17th July next and urged everyone in the club to get behind it and make it a success. William Harding stepped down as Chairman after four years and thanked everyone for their support during that time and a special presentation was made by incoming Chairman Graham Downes. William Harding also launched the clubs new Strategic 5-Year Plan which was coordinated by Ger O’Meara
Joe Errity, Adrian Molloy and Stephen Hogan were ratified as the senior management for the coming year while Joe Dolan will manage the junior hurlers after Hubert Hogan stepped down, but he will remain on as Under 21 hurling manager. The meeting also agreed to an amalgamation with Shannon Rovers Gaels at minor level with selectors to be appointed.
The following officers were elected: President – Michael O’Meara (The Hill); Vice-Presidents – Fr. Pat Mulcahy, Johnny O’Meara; Chairman & Designated Person – Graham Downes; Vice-Chairmen – Padraig Madden, Pat Kennedy; Secretary & PRO – Shane Brophy; Treasurer – Declan O’Meara; Assistant Secretary – vacant; Assistant Treasurer – vacant; Registrar – Louise Mannion; Development Officers – Tony Coen & Tommy Cahalan; County Board Delegate – Ken Hogan; Coaching Officer – JP Houlihan; Schools Liaison Officer – Dessie Clancy; Health & Wellbeing Officer – vacant; Cultural Officer – David Broderick; Children’s Officer – To be appointed; Players Representatives – captains of the senior and junior hurling teams to fill these positions.
Lotto: Our jackpot is now €4,500 with a Match 3 pot of €100. Thank you for your continued support. You can play our lotto online at www.locallotto.ie where it is easy to play every week. Tickets are €2 each or three for €5.
Blood Drive: The Irish Blood Transfusion Clinic will return to the GAA Centre on Tuesday, 5th January 2016.
Social Dancing: There will be no Social Dancing on Christmas Night. Dancing resumes of New Years Night to the music of Sam O’Doherty. Dancing 9.30pm to 12.30am. The club is especially inviting those home for Christmas to sample our weekly social dance.
Sympathy: Lorrha GAA Club would like to sympathise with the O’Meara family on the death of Liam O’Meara, The Lake who passed away last week. May he rest in peace.
Lorrha GAA Club would like to wish all our players, members and supporters a Happy Christmas.
On The Dry. One Month. No Alcohol.
Make January a Month to Remember.
Hi there all readers of LorrhaDorrha website
We’re kicking off our On The Dry challenge for January and we thought this would be right up the street of your readers in those post Christmas days 26th to 31st December (or early Jan). On The Dry challenges people to give up alcohol for one month while raising funds for the Irish Heart Foundation.
December tends to be a very social time, so we’re hoping that giving up alcohol not only gives the body a break but it also lets people to spend more time with family and friends, try new activities or just enjoy their Sunday mornings!
For example, 92% of participants last year reported feeling ‘better’ or ‘much better’ having gone On The Dry while 88% have said they’ll be doing it again in 2016.
On The Dry is also supported by 2FM who are helping to spread the word and you will see our photocall photo attached with the inimitable Father Ted star Frank Kelly.
If you have any questions, please don’t hesitate to get in contact.
Kindest regards,
Caroline Cullen
Irish Heart Foundation
Mob: 086-6049282
