THE community of Ratheadon and surrounding areas were saddened recently to learn of the passing of Christina (Chrissie) Murphy, Castle Road, Kilkenny and formerly of Ratheadon, Bagenalstown.

She was age 72 years and though her health had been failing for some time, her death at St. Luke’s Hospital, Kilkenny, came as a shock to her family and friends. She is survived by her sisters, Mai (Newport Beach, California) and Bridie (Sr. Clement, Presentation Sisters, Pakistan), and by her brothers Luke (Callan), John Joe (Bennekerry) and Paddy (Ratheadon), her nieces and nephews and a large circle of relatives and friends. May she rest in peace.

NEWTOWN DUNLECKNEY NS: Enrolment for children commencing school in September in Newtown Dunleckney National School will take place on Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday and Friday, April 4-7, during school hours, 9.20am to 3pm. Application forms for enrolment are available at the school and can be requested by phone. The school telephone number is 059 97 27299.

COACH TRIP: Leighlinbridge & District Active Retirement Coach Trip to Donegal (five days) from May 8 to 12 incl. taking in daily trips to Derry City, Malin Head, Bushmills, Giant Causeway and Buncrana. Collected and returned to Leighlinbridge Village. Non members and other Active Retirement members welcome. Cost €305 – daily trips and hotel included in cost. Contact Mary at 97 21048 as soon as possible to book a place.

RATHANNA MARCHING BAND: The band recently travelled to Wexford and Enniscorthy to celebrate St. Patrick’s Day. They performed great on the day winning best overall in the Wexford Parade. A lot of practice had gone into their performance so everyone was delighted with the win. Well done to all new members who marched and played great for their first outing. Well done to Amanda Dermody who was Staff Major on the day for her first time.

CONCERT: Traditional music concert featuring the group Providence will take place in Leighlinbridge Parish Centre on Saturday, April 8, at 8pm. Young Carlow Fiddle Group will play support. Tickets are €15 for adults and €10 for students and are available at Leighlinbridge Post Office or by phoning 97 22020 or 9721104.

DISCO FEVER: BEAM Easter fisco in Oak Bar, Royal Oak on Thursday, April 13, at 8.30pm till 11.30pm. D. J. Jamesie. See you there.

ICA: The next guild meeting takes place tonight, Wednesday, at 8pm in McGrath Hall. Competition decorated Easter egg. As the AGM is in May anyone who wishes to pay money off their membership fee is asked to bring same to the April meeting. The membership fee for 200612007 is €26. Tickets will be available at this meeting for the Federation Patchwork Quilt €2 each. All places are filled for our trip to Scotlandfrom June 3-7.

ACTIVE RETIREMENT OUTING: Bagenalstown & District Active Retirement Association is organising a four-day trip to West Cork based at Baltimore from Sunday, June 18 to Thursday, June 22, visiting Schull, Mizen Head and islands. Cost approx €250; non members welcome (€5 extra). Details from Kate at 97 22903.

BONE MARROW FOR LEUKAEMIA TRUST: Bill & Catherine O’Brien are taking part in the Roundwood 25km Leukaemia Challenge for St. James’s Hospital, Dublin on Saturday, May 6. Bone Marrow for Leukaemia Trust is to the forefront of the fight against leukaemia and continues to develop and sustain the National Bone Marrow Transplant Unit at St. James’s Hospital. Bill and Catherine are holding their annual collection on Friday, April 7. Please support this very worthy cause.

HURLING DINNER DANCE: Erin’s Own Hurling Club is hosting a dinner dance and presentation night in the Lord Bagenal Inn, Leighlinbridge, on Saturday, April 8. The Leinster and county championship medals will be presented on the night. Dinner is served at 8pm sharp followed by dancing to Men in Black until 2am. Tickets cost €30 and are available from all committee members.

PARISH PASTORAL COUNCIL: The Parish Pastoral Council is in the process of producing an Information Booklet which will give details of Parish Activities, Clubs, Groups/Organisations and general information about Bagenalstown Parish. The object is to inform people who come to reside in the Parish of activities and Clubs/Organisations. All groups who wish to be included should please forward details of their Club/Organisation together with a contact Phone Number to Anna Monaghan (chairperson) or Brendan Kehoe (secretary) c/o Parish office before April 15.

MUINEBHEAG TOWN TWINNING: Helene from our twinned town, Pont-Pean, is coming to work in Muinebheag for the month of June. She is 19 years old and studying languages in Rennes University. She would like to stay with a family with students of similar age if possible. She speaks good English and wants to experience the Irish way of life. If you can help us accommodate her please contact any of the committee members or phone 087 2407369.

MEDJUGORJE PILGRIMAGE: Bagenalstown Medjugorje pilgrimage 25th anniversary, September 4-11. The tour operator (Joe Walsh) has made available a limited number of additional places. If you wish to avail of this final opportunity contact Clair-Bríd (Leader) 059 97 23732.