Lorrha Notes
106 year old Bridie Duggan Daly visited Lorrha N.S. last where she enjoyed the warm welcome she received. Lisa (her great-grandniece) Kayla and Sheena presented her with a St. Bridget’s Cross which Bridie said she would cherish.
Born Bridget Duggan in the parish of Ballinakill, Loughrea in Co. Galway on February 13th 1911, Bridget was one of ten children, six brothers and three sisters. She is quick to explain why she is called Bridie and not Bridget. ‘My parents christened me Bridget but because I had a aunt and a cousin called Bridget, they decided to call me Bridie to avoid confusion so that’s how I got the name and it has stayed with me’ she said.
On April 29th 1929 at the age of 18, Bridie left her family behind and emigrated to the U.S. Her brother Tom (formally Portland, Lorrha) brought her to Cobh to board the boat. Her parents had arranged that she would live with her Aunt and cousins in Somerville, Massachusetts. ‘My cousin got me a job as a nanny when I went over first but then sometime later I went to work in St. Joseph’s Church in Somerville.
Somerville had a big Irish community there and Bridie said it was like been in Ireland only there was a lot more people.
Her first visit home was in 1936 and when she returned a few weeks later, she went with some friends to an Irish dance where she met her future husband William Daly from Cork. ‘We went to Irish dances every week and we met up with all the other Irish and that’s how we all got to know each other’ she said. They married in 1939 and went on to have six children, four boys, Bill, David, Michael and Jerry, and two girls Mary Anne and Kathleen. ‘Imagine three of my sons Bill, David and Jerry are gone since’ she said. Her husband died a young man in 1960 leaving her with a family aged from 16 to 4 years, and is buried in Arlington Cemetery near Boston.
She has her first passport and some old photographs taken with her husband and children in years gone by. Bridie says there was nothing in Ireland for her all those years ago and that she had a good life in the U.S. However, she can never forget her roots and her relatives and looks forward to visiting Ireland every two years. ‘Since I turned 100, the Irish President sends me a big silver medal every year. It has the harp on it and the name of the president too’ she said.
Bridie is a happy and content lady who says that the key to her longevity is that she lived and enjoyed every day and she prays too every day for good health ‘so he must be listening to me’ she laughs.
Ploughing Cancelled.
The North Tipperary Ploughing Championships fell victim to the wet weather on Sunday last and had to be cancelled. The heavy rain throughout the week in particular on Friday and Saturday, made conditions too bad for any ploughing to take place. A new provisional date of Sunday 19th March has been agreed and again if weather permits. The time remains the same, 12.30pm. and the venue the same, on the lands of Joe and Lillian Austin, Borrisokane, by kind permission. The site is situated close to the COI hall on the Ballingarry road. Enquiries to the secretary Denis Cahalan on (087) 7793719. The committee apologize for any inconvenience caused.
St. Ruadhan’s ARA.
We would like to thank all who attended our coffee afternoon for the Irish Heart Foundation. We collected €447.00 so well done to all those that took part.
Sympathy.
Sympathy is extended to Paddy Guinan Lorrha on the death of his sister Kathleen Cleary, Fortal and to the extended Guinan family and relatives. After funeral Mass in St. Brendan’s Church Birr, on Saturday 4th burial took place in Clonoghill Cemetery, Birr. May she rest in peace.
Sympathy is extended to Johnny Quinn, Roden, Rathcabbin on the death of his brother Richard (Dick) Lacka, Carrig which occurred on March 1st. After funeral Mass in The Church of the Annunciation Carrig on Monday 6th burial took place in the adjoining cemetery. May he rest in peace.
Church News.
Lenten Station Mass for people of the Parish on Friday 10th March at 7.30p.pm in Rathcabbin Church with Confessions beforehand. Please note that this Station Mass is for all three areas, Lorrha, Rathcabbin and Redwood.
Three students are currently studying for the Priesthood for the diocese of Killaloe. Please keep Martin, Anton and Aidan in your prayers. Three others are in the process of discernment at present. Vocations director is Fr. I. McCormack – 086 2777139.
At a recent Parish Pastoral Council Meeting it was proposed that a ‘Suggestion Box’ be placed in each of our three churches for a number of weeks. We invite parishioners (Catholics who are active and non-active) to write their suggestions on a sheet of paper provided. We welcome positive suggestions and also the fact those making them are willing to be involved themselves.
Lorrha St. Patrick’s Day Parade.
Lorrha are holding a St. Patrick’s Day parade which will be held on Friday March 17th at 3.00p.m. Anyone wishing to enter a float is asked to contact Donna on (087) 9050565. Entry is free and all are welcome. There will be a BBQ and music in the Friars Tavern later to bring proceedings from the day to a close. Do come along and support local effort.
Spring De-Clutter.
When cleaning out your wardrobe to make room for the spring collection, please remember Lorrha Development/Tidy Towns who continue to collect unwanted clothes throughout the year. Items of clothing must be clean and dry and in good condition please and we can supply bags if you want. We can also collect to make it easy for you, just call (086) 8647166, (086) 8493595 or (087) 2601413 with your name and details. Please note we cannot accept Duvets, bedding, household linen, pillows, cushions, carpets, rugs and maths including bath toilet and shower math’s, soiled or wet clothing. All money raised from all fundraising ventures is used for the ongoing work around Lorrha Village which helps to keep two adults employed. Many thanks for your continued support.
Redwood NS
We are now enrolling pupils for September 2017. Enrolment forms can be obtained from the school of from our website (www.redwoodns.ie) If you would like to visit the school or speak with the teachers, please contact us on 090 9747186 or email redwoodns@live.ie to make an appointment.
Lorrha Camogie:
Our group match against Ballina takes place next Sat 11th March at 2pm in Ballina. Best of luck to the girls and management in their first match of the year.
Lorrha Rathcabbin Energy Team.
Lorrha Rathcabbin Energy Team (LRET) are holding their Annual General Meeting (AGM) in the GAA Clubhouse, Moatfield, on Thursday, 23rd March 2017 at 8pm. All are welcome to attend.
In Concert.
South East Galway Comhaltas in conjunction with Galway Comhaltas are delighted to present Sean Keane in concert on Friday April 7th in Portumna Town Hall at 8pm. Doors open at 7.30pm. Tickets priced at €20 can be purchased through Salmons Newsagents, Portumna or call (087) 0994578.