Community & GAA Notes

of litter. The habit began during Covid and the family are keeping up the good work with the encouragement of their Dad, Killian.

ST PATRICKS DAY

As the big day approaches just a reminder of the Annual Irish Dancing Display on St Patrick’s Day in the Community Centre. This event is a collaboration between Stella Carroll School of Dancing and Bennettsbridge Ladies Club. Dancers will compete for the Kathleen Conway Memorial Trophy. Proceeds will go to the Carlow Kilkenny Homecare Team.

CHURCH NEWS

MASSES THIS WEEK

Thursday and Friday 10.30AM

CARDS

7/02: Winners - Johno and Maria Reid, Joint second Frank O’Neill and Michael Phelan and Paul Gurrie and Rose Hayes. Table Prize: Danny McDonald/Rose Hayes

14/02: Winners - Rose Hayes and Paul Gurrie, Joint second Maria and Johno Reid, Bridget Cotterell and Michael Keneally, Table Prize: Tommy Hayes and Tom Fitzpatrick

21/02: Winners Patsy Gibbons and John O Brien, Second Andrew Barcoe and Vinny Horgan. Table PrizeMichael and Gerry.

28/02: Winners (3 way tie) Pierce Purcell and Bridget Cotterell, Tommy Hayes and Toddy Skehan, Paul Gurrie and Rose Hayes, Table Prize - Jack Kavanagh and Patrick O’Neill.

Cards continue every Tuesday night at 8:30pm in Bennettsbridge Hall, new players are always welcome.

LOTTO

No winner of Jackpot last week. Numbers, 4, 6, 10, 20. Jackpot now €5,650.00.

Consolation Prizes, Marie(S)Treacy, Station Road, William Murphy, Castlegarden, Danny and Tara Coyne, Gowran Road, Richard Cody, Stroan, Richard Comerford, Norewood Heights.

GATHERING GROUP

There was a good attendance at last week’s meeting. Gentle chair exercises are proving popular with the group. A number of talks are in the pipeline also a trip to the Danesfort group is being pencilled in for April. A shopping trip to Li ey Valley is being organised for April 26th and the group is looking forward to John B Keane’s play, Moll on 23rd March in Thomastown Concert Hall.

EASTER CAMP

Advance notice of the Bennettsbridge Easter Camp which will take place from the 11th to 14th April this year. A registration night will be held this Thursday 9th March at the GAA Grounds. Forms will be delivered to the Bennettsbridge Mixed School in the coming weeks. The camp runs from 10am to 2pm daily. Cost €50.00.

CAMOGIE

Congratulations to Lucy Walsh and team on a great win for the Kilkenny Minors against Dublin at the weekend. Also fantastic to see Vivienne Holmes playing for the Intermediate team who had a great win yesterday against Tipperary. We are very proud to see Bennettsbridge girls in the Black & Amber.

BORD NA N-OG AGM

A Bord na n-Og meeting will be held on Friday, 10th at 8pm in the club house to elect new o icers and committee. Nomination forms are available and can be obtained from 0834654035.

GAA FOOTBALL LEAGUES

The under 13s had two good wins, over Fenians / St Patrick’s and Tullogher Rosbercon in the league over the past week. The junior team have one league fixture le versus St Patrick’s with the fixture still to be announced. Please see the Kilkenny GAA website for details.

MEMBERSHIP 2023

Membership for 2023 is now being collected by registrar Samantha McGarry or any committee member. Membership remains the same as last year. 120 for adult players, 80 for student players and 40 euro for nonplaying members. Early payment would be most appreciated as the bills for 2023 start to come in.

BUY A BRICK CAMPAIGN

We are in the fourth year of our buy a brick campaign. Thanks to everyone who has supported so far. Anyone new who wishes to contribute please see BBGAADEV@ gmail.com. All contributions go towards club development and repayment of the loan on the club house as quickly as possible.

COLLEGE HURLING

Congratulations Bill Hughes, Timmy Kelly and James Hughes who were on the St Kieran’s panel that defeated Cashel in the All Ireland semi-final in Birr last Saturday. They can now look forward to playing in Croke Park on St Patrick’s day in the All Ireland final.

ON LINE DRAW

The first online draw of 2023 is now live. 100 tickets only will be sold with 700 euro going to the winner. Tickets cost 10 euro. Please see the clubs Facebook and twitter pages for details of the link. The draw will take place as soon as the tickets are sold. Thanks for the continued support.

CPR AND FIRST AID TRAINING

There will be a CPR and First Aid training upstairs in the clubhouse on Saturday March 25th. This is open to the whole community. Places are limited to 10 people and cost is 80 euro per person. If interested please contact Andrea on 087 1226882 to book a place.

SCRAP COLLECTION

The club is planning to do a scrap Collection fundraiser in April so if you have any scrap to get rid of we will gladly take it. Full details will follow later this month.

SPLIT THE POT

The next draw takes place today Friday at 6 pm in the clubhouse. Envelopes to enter are available around the village. If you want to play online with club force please see the clubs Facebook page for details. Thanks again for the continued support.

ATHLETICS CLUB

Graigue-Ballycallan Athletics Club, in conjunction with St. Aidan’s NS parents council, will hold a 5k fun run/ walk and a chipped 10k run on Sunday 19th March at 11am. With chipped 10k entry there are bespoke medals and bu s. Prizes for 1st place men and women for 10k distance. Entry fees are €20 chipped 10k, €10 individual 5k, €20 family ticket for 5k fun run/walk. Registration and number collection on the day from 9am. Booking can also be made on www.njuko.net/ graigueballycallanac10k2023. Refreshments served a erwards in St. Aidan’s Primary school.

SCHOOL ENROLMENT

Reminder to those concerned that closing Date for Enrolments to St. Aidan’s NS for September 2023 is Friday March 31st. Enrolment Forms are available at this link https://staidans.scoilnet.ie/blog/enrolment/ or by contacting the school on 776 9340. Enrolment Forms can be emailed to staidansnskilmanagh@gmail.com, posted or handed into the school.

TRAD NIGHT

A Trad Night will be held in The Pound on 16th March in aid of Cois Nore Cancer Support and Craobh Osraí branch of Comhaltas, starting at 9pm - Adm €5. Contact Mary Dunphy for details 086 401 0914. Musicians welcome.

RIVER RANGERS SOCCER NEWS

Junior Division 3 Spa United 3 River Rangers B 0 Another great e ort from our B team today away to Spa United in Johnstown. We started well and the game was evenly matched. Spa United went one up early on. An injury forced River Rangers into an early substitute leaving them with the bare team as we had just one sub.

River Rangers defended well and were good in attack but against the run of play Spa opened up the defence to make it 2-0. In the second half Rangers changed their goal keeper and things started to look up but, trying to grab a goal from somewhere, River Rangers were now leaving gaps and got punished again with another well worked goal. The game finished 3-0 but a great e ort from all the lads who played with great heart and determination. We look forward now and support our A team in the Maher Shield Semi Final next Saturday 11th March at 7.30pm in Evergreen Kells Road.

Team: Derek Halley, Ben Young, Peter Murphy, Martin Murphy, Pat Purcell, Jack Fitzpatrick, Brian Kearney, Ryan Corcoran, Philly Doheny. Dean O’Brien, Jake O’Brien, Willie O’Neill.

Junior Division 2 : Evergreen C 4 River Rangers 3 Goals from Darragh Egan, Scott Lawlor and Richie Keoghan.

FIXTURES

Saturday 11th March : Junior Pat Maher Shield Semifinal. River Rangers A v Freebooters in Kells Road Astro Pitch at 19:30

Saturday 11th March : Under 13 League Division 1. River Rangers v Deen Celtic Ath in Clonard Park at 15:00

Saturday 11th March : Under 15 St Canices Credit Union Division 1A. East End United v River Rangers in Bennettsbridge at 11:00

KILMANAGH NOTES

Anyone wishing to submit news items, events, announcements etc. can do so by email only to elanigan18@gmail.com. If you have any photos that you would like included, please send as an attachment.

Aghaviller Parish: Hugginstown: Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday and Friday at 9.30a.m. VigilSaturday 11th. at 8.00p.m. Sunday 12th. at 10.00a.m. Stoneyford: Vigil - Saturday 11th. at 6.30p.m.;

PRAY FOR

May Cuddihy (nee Walsh), Kilree, Stoneyford and late of Newmarket.

Anne Greene (nee Foskin) Mullinavat. Both who died during the week.

Anniversary Masses next weekend: Bridget and Betty McCarthy, Knockdrinna; Mass in Stoneyford on Saturday 11th. at 6.30p.m

Statia and Patrick Fitzpatrick, Coolmore; Mass in Hugginstown on Saturday 11th. at 8.00p.m

Maggie and Pat Cleary, Hugginstown. Mass in Hugginstown on Sunday 12th. at 10.00a.m.

ROTA

Rota for next week-end: 11th. and 12th. March 2023 .

(Third Sunday of Lent)

Readers: Stoneyford: Saturday 6.30p.m. Parents. Hugginstown: Saturday 8.00p.m. Pat Power; Sunday 10.00a.m. Parents.

Eucharistic Ministers: Stoneyford: Saturday 6.30p.m. Barbara Smolen. Hugginstown: Saturday 8.00p.m. Mary Murphy. Sunday 10.00a.m. Kay Power.

FIRST HOLY COMMUNION PREPARATION

All children and families are invited to attend the weekend Masses during Lent as part of this preparation. Parents will be involved in the Readings and the Communion Reflection while the children will be involved in the Prayers of the Faithful and the O ertory Gi s. Mass in Stoneyford Church on Saturday 11th. March at 6.30p.m. Mass in Hugginstown Church on Sunday 12th. March at 10.00a.m.

TROCAIRE

Every year during Lent, Trócaire asks for your help to fund lifesaving programmes around the world. Please collect a Trócaire Box which is available in Church Porch. You can contribute Online at www.trocaire.org or By Phone: 1850 408 408. The contents of each and every Trócaire Box, no matter how small, come together to make a significant di erence.

LENTEN STATION COLLECTION

Envelopes for the Lenten Station Contribution are available in the Church. Your contribution is for the support of the priests of the Parish and the Diocese. (To donate directly.) Use IBAN: IE19 AIBK 9330 9000 0561 20 (BIC: AIBKIE2D). All Parish Property and Accounts are registered under the (Diocese of Ossory, Reg. Charity No. 20015831)

LOTTO

Lotto: Aghaviller Parish and Carrickshock G. A. A. Draw: Monday 27th. February 2023 Numbers: 32; 18; 16; 13. No Winner First 3 Numbers Drawn. No Jackpot Winner:

5 x €30.00. Winners: P & C Hudson, c/o James Irish; Mary Brady, Bennettsbridge;

P & C Hudson, c/o J. Irish; Ryan Hayes, c/o T. Fitzgerald; Michael Callaghan, Stoneyford

3 x €15.00 (Sellers): Ann Power, Pat Power, Catherine Duggan.

MOBILE LIBRARY

Kilkenny County Council Mobile Library will visit Hugginstown on Tuesday 7th. March from 2.20p.m. to 3.00p.m.

SAFEGUARDING CONTACTS

Diocesan Designated Liaison Person: Ms. Kathleen Sherry Tel: 087 100 0232.

Aghaviller Parish Representatives are: Teresa Broderick and Carmel O’Toole

LOURDES PILGRIMAGE 2023

Ossory Pilgrimage to Lourdes 2023 will take place from May 23rd. to 28th. this year. Accommodation in the Agena, Solitude and Padoue Hotels. Price includes return bus journey to/from Loughboy Shopping Centre Car Park to Dublin Airport. Return flights from Dublin to Lourdes; Transfer to/from Airport to Hotel; Full board and hotel accommodation for the 5 nights. For further information and bookings contact niamh@jwttravel.ie or Phone 01 685 2244

ONLINE LENTEN RETREAT

The Priory Institute is delighted to o er a free of charge

Online Retreat ‘Reflecting on the Sunday Gospels of Lent as Stepping Stones on our Journey to Easter. Visit the website prioryinstitute.com or click on this link https://bit. ly/3DWrTkx to register/find out more.

OSSARY ADULT FAITH DEVELOPMENT- LENTEN PROGRAMME

“St. Patrick - How would he speak to a modern Ireland?” Join with Rev. Dr. Billy Swan, Diocese of Ferns, for a reflection on what our Patron Saint of our country might say to us today. This reflection will take place in St. Kieran’s College on Tuesday 7th. March at 7.30p.m.

STONEY ACTIVE RETIREMENT

Stoneyford Active Retirement Group is planning a 5 day/4 night holiday to Dundalk from 11th. September 2023. Bus to/from Stoneyford; Tours every day; Nice relaxing Itinerary. For further information visit www. stoneyford.ie

CALLAN CO-OP; Callan Co-Op or as local Callan people refer to it ‘The Store’ was first created in 1899 at West Street just before the turn of the 20th Century. The early part of the century was a turbulent time in Ireland which eventually saw its transition to a Free State in 1889, Irelands first Cooperatives were established in County Cork and the first creamery was opened in Drumcollogher County Limerick. The idea was adopted from the Danish Co-Op model and so in 1884 the Irish Agricultural Organisation Society was formed by Sir Horace Hackett and friends. It was later renamed the Irish Co-operative Organisation Society Limited (ICOS). So Callan came fi een years later. Local creameries were the life and soul of the agricultural community as well as the general population in the area. The town of Callan was a perfect fit with a large farming and dairy community in its hinterland. Just six years earlier up the road in Mullinahone a co-op creamery was created in 1893. Remember there were the times when the only type of transport for the farmer was a pony and cart so creating the Co-Op was to become the main source of income for the milk farmer. Ironically both Callan and Mullinahone stood tall when the likes of Avonmore/Glanbia was created and refused to go under that umbrella and to this day both remain farmer owned. Into the 20th the Callan creamery continued to thrive with a hardware store and building supplies business at Green Street, until they moved the full operation under one roof at West Street when the site was rebuilt and opening a new hardware store. A new service station was also built and today it’s a thriving supermarket and fuel station. But time moves on and the Co-Op looked at new plans for their hardware supplies and so two years ago began a big expansion on the shop and the construction of new bays and buildings on their site. Business continued despite it being a building site but its all taking shape now with the grand o icial opening approaching shortly. The hardware will now trade under a new logo as Callan C-Op/Homevalue. Homevalue is a huge brand in the hardware business with dozens of stores throughout Ireland. Callan is a thriving town which will now be served by two brilliant hardware and building supply stores, the other being Bretts at Mill Street which also boasts a lovely garden centre and beautiful café. Onwards and upwards to all.

Old School Stories

The column will continue with some of the essays from school children in the di erent areas around Callan this week. John Bergin was a pupil at the CBS on West Street in the 1930’s and wrote about topical events of the time. Here are a few, again there may well be the lads interpretation of pro- nunciations and spellings so don’t blame the writer or editor, it was of the time.

A Golden Jubilee In Callan

Yesterday was the celebration of the Golden Jubilee in the Parish Church of the Confraternity of the Holy Family. Confraternity was founded by Cardinal Moran of the Diocese of Sydney in Australia in 1887 and the year is the fi ieth year of his establishment. High Mass was celebrated in the Parish Church at 11 o’clock yesterday and a great crowd of people assembled there. Bishop Collier from Kilkenny came out at 7 o’clock last night to celebrate the Golden Jubilee, and to present the men that were fi y years attending the Holy Family with a golden ribbon and medal. At the end of the Ceremony the Bishop thanked everyone that was in the Chapel and the Nuns for decorating the altar.

PATTERNS

The last Sunday in July is the pattern of James Well the famous old mill called Briens mill, now occupied by the Somers brothers, it used be a great place for dancing and singing but late years the youngsters are not interested in patterns there more interested in the pictures. Another is a famous pattern of Killaloe, a lot of people Patronise the pattern they come from far and near to see Saint

Maloe its strongly reported that he came down in the flood, and the image of the saint is in the Sacristy in the chapel of Killaloe. I had the pleasure of seeing him myself. Another patten is held in Coolagh which is about three miles from Callan, a great pattern one time as their was a Sheabeen carried on there, how they used ba le the old R.I.C. there was an old man and he was 40 years on the bed and there was a false bottom under the bed, where all the drinks used be kept and this was the famous old Irish whisky called puteen, the owner of this house was never brought to justice. Another old pattern is Lady’s Well which is near the historical village of Kells its the next Patronised pattern of the lot, they come from the city of Kilkenny and County Tipperary as their supposed to a cure in it for sore eyes, sprained ankles sore rists and a pain in the ear its of each County, I am shure you know is Callan and Ballingarry.I may mention where ever these party’s meet their always merry in the beginning but it always finishs with a row and some unfortunate poor fellow falls in for it all, but all this bitterness is past and gone.

Curious People

There was a few families living in Scaugh who believed in the good people we call them by name the Farrell’s the Coady’s and the O Riely’s they were out one day cutting hay, and the man that used boil the tea and get the dinner ready went over to the place where they used boil it and when he went to put the milk on the tea, he called over Farrell and told him look down in the bottle, he told him that he saw soldiers fighting in the bottle. Farrell could see nothing, then he called over Coady to see if he could see anything in the bottle and he said he could see nothing, the two of them looked into the bottle again and could see nothing and no one would believe him that the soldiers were in the bottle they le the field that evening and when they went in to the field on the next morning all the hay that they had secured the evening before was gone out of the field, now says Riely would ye believe me that it is not safe to be here. Young Farrell had know body living with him only his mother, and he said he would test old Coady see could he make fun of him. he dressed himself up in priests clothes and went down to the old Coady’s house and accused him of leading of leading a very bad life oh I beg your pardon my good Rev. whos my bad neighbours, I hear tell that you never go to your dutys or atend Mass on Sundays and thay you keep a very bad home. Well father I may tell you I never kept a bad home but theirs an old [?] down there, Mrs. Farrell and her son and they would hang yah, she can let no body pass without saying something bad about them, and her son is nothing better I may tell you.

Farrell himself was the man that wanted to test old Coady and it would be better if he had not, as he got his own pedigree for nothing.

The Moat

Theres a mound on the right bank of the Kings River lower bridge street Callan and they call it the moat and it is supposed to be inhabited by fairys their was a certain man who had a hump on his back he had a few drinks taking and he said he would go over and lie on the Moat, he was a good singing and he sung a few songs the fairy’s came out and brought him in before the queen and she was so pleased with his singing they reliefed him of his hump he new a friend of the same ailment as himself he told him to go over to the Moat and sing a song and he would get rid of his hump the poor fellow was a bad singer and the only song he new was “a - long – long way - to - Tipperary the fairys invited him in and the queen was that discusted with him that they claped the other mans hump on top of him and the poor fellow instead of getting rid of one got too and the fairy’s gathered around him while he was leaving and they sang, its a long way to Tipperary and the finest hump you know. Hope you enjoyed the stories and more next week.