Lorrha Notes
Well Done Darran.
Congratulations and well done to local Lorrha man Darran Bourke who recently released his new single “Forever and Amen”. Written and performed by the talented Darran, the scenery for the song was shot in St. Ruadhan’s Church, Lorrha. “Forever and Amen” can be downloaded and streamed on all platforms or you can watch on U-Tube. This is original so you never heard it before. It’s absolutely lovely so go on, take a look and a listen now. Well done Darran.
Family Mass.
A Family Mass will be celebrated in Redwood Church on Friday 15th December @ 9.30am. The children of Redwood NS will be taking part in prayers and choir. Parents, Grandparents, families and community all welcome to attend.
Sympathy.
Sympathy is extended to Mary Barry and family, Portland on the death of her brother Jim Deane, Bishopscourt, Straffan, Co. Kildare, which occurred on Wednesday Dec. 6th. in the tender care of the staff of Rivervale Nursing Home, Nenagh. Jim was the beloved husband of the late Mary and father of the late Emma, and he is deeply regretted by his loving daughters Helen, Fiona and Claire, sons-in-law Donal, Brian and Alan, his beloved grandchildren, brother Thomas, sisters Mary, Breda, Elizabeth and Ann, brothers-in-law, sisters-in-law, nieces, nephews, cousins especially Henry, relatives and a large circle of friends.
After funeral Mass on Saturday in St. Brigid’s Church, Kill, Co. Kildare burial took place in Bodenstown Cemetery. May he rest in peace.
Omna Singers – Portumna
Mark your calendar! Omna Singers are delighted to present “Ring Christmas Bells”, a short fun, family performance of festive songs and carols in Christ Church Portumna on Monday 18th December 7.30pm-8.15pm. Conductor: Liz Powell. Accompanist: Robyn Williams. Come along and sing along (and bring your jingle bells) to get fully into the Christmas spirit! A collection will be taken up for UNICEF Gaza Children’s Fund. All welcome!
Lights Camel Action.
The pupils of Lorrha NS present “Lights Camel Action” in Lorrha NS on Wednesday night December 20th at 7pm. There will be a raffle on the night. There will also be a dress rehearsal performance on Tuesday 19th Dec. at 10am for anyone who would like to see the show but is unavailable on the night. Entry is free. All enquiries to the school office on luanaofa@gmail.com and all are welcome.
Rathcabbin NS Christmas Concert.
The pupils of Rathcabbin NS present their Christmas concert in Rathcabbin Hall on Wednesday December 20th. There’s a matinee at 12.45 and the evening show is at 7.15pm. Christmas music, singing, dance and plays from all the pupils. €10 per adult and €5 per child. All welcome.
Christmas Special Card Game.
Rathcabbin Hall special card game will take place on Friday 29th December at 8.30pm. Everyone welcome.
School Enrolment.
Lorrha N.S. are now enrolling pupils for the 2024/25 school year. Application forms are available from the school, from the website or message the facebook page. You can also call the school on (090) 9747295 or email luanaofa@gmail.com. Appointments can also be made to view the school and see what’s on offer or to talk to a teacher by calling the school or sending an e mail. We look forward to hearing from you.
2024 Calendar.
Lorrha Development Association is thrilled to share the exciting news that the much-anticipated Lorrha Parish Calendar 2024 has officially been released and is now available for purchase! You can find this captivating glimpse into our local history, filled with captivating photos and stories, at the SCEAL shop. Your contribution goes beyond acquiring a stunning calendar; it’s a meaningful way to support our ongoing fundraising endeavors. We extend our heartfelt gratitude to all our generous sponsors and individuals who have dedicated their time and effort to making this publication a reality over the years. Don’t miss out on this incredible opportunity to own a piece of our community’s heritage while supporting our noble cause. Purchase your copy of the Lorrha Parish Calendar 2024 and be part of preserving our shared
Pastoral Area Christmas Mass Arrangements.
Christmas Eve: Mass in Lorrha Sunday at 9.00pm. Mass also in Lorrha on Saturday evening 23rd at 6.30pm.
Christmas day: Mass in Rathcabbin at 11.30am. No Mass in Rathcabbin on Sunday morning Dec.24th.
Borrisokane on Christmas Eve at 7pm. Christmas Day at 10.30am. Aglist on Christmas Eve at 2pm. Terryglass Christmas Eve at 8.30pm. – Christmas day at 9.30am. and Mass in Kilbarron on Christmas Eve at 6.30pm.
Sacrament of reconciliation in our Parishes: Next Sunday 17th, there will be a simple penitential service at the beginning of Masses. At the end of Masses there will be the opportunity for an individual blessing or confession if desired.
Please note No Morning Mass Sunday 24th Dec. The vigil Masses are the only Masses for the fourth Sunday of Advent : 6:30pm Lorrha, 7pm Borrisokane & 8pm Kilbarron.
St. Pio Mass.
Mass to St. Pio will be celebrated in St. Brendan’s Church, Birr on Thursday night 14th at 7.30pm.
Montessori Play.
Busy Bodies Montessori School Christmas play 2023 takes place in Carrig hall at 3pm on Sunday 17th Dec. There is no charge at the door, donations on the day will be given to North Tipp Hospice. We would love to see you there. Don’t miss it.
Extra Date Added.
Portumna Players Drama Group Presents – Marrying Mike by Jimmy Keary ***Extra date added*** 14th December. Fundraiser for Portumna Christmas lights. 8:30 sharp. Portumna Town Hall. Tickets €10 on the door.
Entertainer Seán Keane for Rathcabbin Hall.
Looking for a Christmas present? Well look no further than Patrick Cahalan or Nancy White who will sell you tickets for the forthcoming Seán Keane concert which will take place on Saturday 13th April 2024 at 8pm. Just call (087) 6962 490 or (087) 7613 458 and your present is sorted.
GAA Notes:
There was No Winner of this weeks lotto jackpot of €3,000. The numbers drawn on 11 December were: 5-15-17-28. 2 Match 3’s share €100: Geraldine Dolan and the Cahalan family.
Promoters: Maria Brophy, Margaret O’Brien, Liam Reddish.
Next Monday’s draw will be for a jackpot of €3,100. Team 6 in charge of the draw. Thank you for your continued support.
Lotto: Our lotto jackpot has been won for the second time in a week. Congrats to TP Sullivan, Birr, who won the €7,100 prize by having the winning numbers of 5-7-18-19. Noreen Houlihan is the winning promoter. The new jackpot is now at €3,100.
Dinner Dance: Takes place on Saturday, January 13th in the County Arms Hotel, Birr, with our county championship winning team to be celebrated on the night. A band and DJ will play. Tickets, €50, which would be the perfect Christmas present, are now available. Contact secretary Maureen Guinan (0872426965) for details, with the option available of paying on Revolut.
Retro Jerseys: If you’re not going to the dinner dance but are still on the look-out for a Christmas present, what would be better than a retro Lorrha jersey, with both blue and white versions available. Contact Aiden McIntyre (0876426640) for details.
Social Dancing: Continues this Friday night in the Tony Reddin Centre from 9.30pm to the music of Pat Daly.
Did you know??
In 1949 The North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) treaty was signed.
In 2013 the European Space Agency revealed new data that indicated the Universe is 13.82. billion years old.
On the 19th March 1982 Argentinian scrap metal merchants landed on the Falkland Islands and raised the Argentine flag.
In 1845 London industrialist Stephen Perry was granted the patent for the production of elastic bands.
A group of cockroaches is called an ‘intrusion’.
China is the world’s largest exporter and second largest importer of goods.
Thought for the week….
Believe with all your heart that you will do what you were made to do…
Smile Awhile…
Keep your child safe online this Christmas – MEP Colm Markey
Fine Gael’s Colm Markey is calling on parents to take proactive measures to keep their children safe online this Christmas.
The Midlands-North-West MEP said help is at hand for anyone struggling to keep pace with the rapidly evolving digital world.
MEP Markey highlighted the work of the Irish Safer Internet Centre – co-funded by EU – as the one-stop shop for information and advice.
He commented, “Cyberbullying, addiction, in-game spending and inappropriate material are some of the main issues that parents are bringing to the Irish Safer Internet Centre, which includes the ISPCC, the National Parents Council, Hotline.ie and Webwise.ie. With Christmas around the corner, now is the time for parents to be mindful of their children’s digital safety. By staying informed and taking proactive measures, we can create a safer space for our kids to enjoy the benefits of technology responsibly.”
“As a father of two young children, I’m aware of the challenges that parents face in navigating the online world, particular when it comes to online gaming. Whether it’s monitoring screen time, setting parental controls, or engaging in open and honest conversations, help is at hand for parents who might need support and guidance”, he continued.
Markey said the Irish Safer Internet Centre has some useful tips for keeping children safe online over the festive season.
“It’s important to do your research when purchasing a new device, game or app. Familiarise yourself with how it works and whether it’s appropriate for them to play. Explore the safety and privacy settings and find out how to enable any parental controls. When it comes to screen time, striking a healthy balance is key. Agree clear rules and set a good example. It’s also important to have open and regular dialogue. Ensure your child knows they can come to you if they see something that upsets them. Above all, parents should be aware that expert advice is available through the Irish Safer Internet Centre”, he concluded.