DICK MILLER REMEMBERED: The Laois Senior Football team take on Kildare for the Dick Miller Cup in a tournament to take place on June 1 in Annanough. What will prove to be a great game takes place beside the New Community Hall and Sports Rooms, where building works has just been completed. This will be a most enjoyable match and locals are encouraged to get along and support the county team.

COMMUNITY GAMES NEWS: Athletics finals will take place on Saturday, May 24. registration takes place on The Lawn at 2.15. The first race of the day is for the under sixes. The Field events will be held on Monday, May 26 at 7pm. Relay trials on Tuesday, May 27 at 7pm. Please note that spectators who are attending in cars will only be permitted to park along the track on Saturday only. Running and hurdles continues on Mondays and Wednesdays. The Swimming Finals will be held on Thursday, June 5 at 6pm in the Athy Pool. A bus leaves Timahoe at 5.15pm and Stradbally at 5.30pm. Bus fare 2. races for boys and girls from under 8’s to under 16’s. The Cycling Finals take place on Tuesday, June 10 on The Lawn. Participants are asked to bring cycling helmets. These races are for both boys and girls under 12 and under 14. The results from the recent Modelling competition: Girls under 10: 1st Ciara Smyth. 2nd: Beth Ryan. 3rd: Olivia Foyle. Highly Commended: Aisling McDonald. Girls under 14 competition: 1st Michelle McEvoy. 2nd: Mairead Ryan. 3rd: Emily Lalor. The Stradbally team did very well in the County Art Finals. Those picked by the judges were: Boys under 8: 2nd; Kevin Quigley. Girls under 8: 1st; Noeleen Foyle. Boys under 10: Highly Commended; James Kennelly. Girls under 10: 2nd; Julie Ann O’Connell Kent. Boys under 12: 3rd; Evan Lawlor. Boys under 14: 3rd; Jamie Kelly. Highly Commended: Eamon Conlan. Girls under 14: 1st; Michelle Lowry. Highly Commended: Sinead Mitchell. Congratulations to Michelle Lowry and Noelle Foyle who go forward to represent Laois in the National Finals in August.

IRISH CANCER SOCIETY: Catherine Coleman of Dunamaise Stradbally and Noel Whelehan of Closelands, Ballybrittas are two Laois participants in the Irish Cancer Society’s sponsored walk. They were presented with their certificates in Cyprus by the Area Co-ordinator Mairead Mangan. They had completed a 150km walk in Cyprus at Easter to raise funds for cancer research.

LATE PHIL DEVERILL (NEE NUNAN): The death took place peacefully of Phil Deverill, The Mill, Stradbally and formerly of Kileen, Stradbally on Tuesday, May 13 at St Vincent’s Hospital, Mountmellick. Phil was the loving wife of the late Bill will be sadly missed by her family, neighbours and her many friends. Removal took place from the Presentation Chapel, Stradbally on Wednesday, May 14 to the Church of the Assumption, Vicarstown. Burial took place after Requiem Mass on Thursday, May 15 in The Heath Cemetery. May she rest in peace.

LATE ANNIE LACEY: The death took place of Annie Lacey, relict of Joseph, Tomaclavin, Stradbally on Saturday, May 10. Her passing is deeply regretted by her loving daughters Mary, Bridie and Margaret, sons Jim, Joe, John and Liam, sisters, brother, daughters-in-law, sons-in-law, grandchildren great grandchildren, nieces, nephews, relatives and friends. Funeral Mass took place on Monday, May 12 in the Church of the Most Holy Rosary, Luggacurran followed by burial in St Joseph’s Cemetery. May she rest in peace.

COUNSELLING SERVICES FOR SCHIZOPHRENIA: Schizophrenia Ireland in conjunction with the Midlands Health Board has set up a counselling service for people with mental illness and their caring relatives in the midland area. The service is based in 12 Henry Street, Tullamore and is available free of charge to people in the Midlands Health Board region. The counselling service is professional and confidential. An appointment can be made by ringing 01

FAMILY WALK FOR TIMAHOE: A family walk is organised to take place in Timahoe on Friday, May 23, by Laois Cancer Research Group.

The walk begins at 7.30. There will also be spot prizes on the night and refreshments will be served after the walk. Voluntary donations are most welcome as all proceeds will go to the Oncology Unit of the Midlands Hospital, Portlaoise. Your support would be greatly appreciated.

BREASTCHECK: The National Breast screening programme will be offering free x-rays (mammograms) to women aged between 50 and 64 years of age in county Laois. The screening pro-8601620. gramme will continue until September. Women aged between 50 and 64 will receive an appointment by post at attend the Mobile Unit which is situated at the Health Centre, Dublin Road, Portlaoise. Breastcheck aims to reduce the number of women dying from breast cancer by finding and treating disease at an early stage. Should you have any queries or would like to check if your name is on the Breastcheck list then please freephone 1800 454555.

FINAL GAA DRAW: Promoters are reminded to make any outstanding collections for the final draw due to be held on Saturday, May 30 for prizes of a Citroen C3 car, 5,000, 2,500 and 8,000 in addition prizes. Thanks to all who supported Annanough GAA Club in the five monthly GAA draws.

GOLF CLASSIC TO AID SPECIAL OLYMPICS: A Golf Classic in aid of the Special Olympics will be held at Abbeyleix Golf Club on Monday, June 2. The bank holiday event costs 80 for a team of four which covers the cost of the green fees. For a time sheet phone 0502 31430 or 056 64900.

FISHING CLUB HEARS OF SUCCESSES BUT REQUIRE MORE VOLUNTEERS: It was a very upbeat meeting on Monday, May 12 of Stradbally and District Anglers Association which heard reports that to date The Stradbally Lake was proving very successful. The meeting expressed thanks to the few volunteers who have to date been keeping the Lake manned and open every weekend. It was felt however, that as this facility is a community based project incorporating a walk its future development and survival will depend on greater commitment from other volunteers. The Angling Association has now asked for anyone willing to help them for a few hours either through the week or at weekends to get in touch with them. Those interested in helping out can contact Kevin Delaney, Kyrle Delaney, John Harrison, Neal Harrison, Dominic Hartnett, Gerry Kelly or Martin Mahon.

DATE FOR FESTIVAL FIXED: At the recent annual general meeting of the Timahoe Round Tower Festival committee it was agreed that this year’s festival will be held on Saturday and Sunday 16-17 August. The organisers are hoping that this year’s event will be as good, if not better, than last year. Hence the reason for more people to volunteer.

AGE ACTION IRELAND: Age Action Ireland would welcome women older and younger. To walk, jog or run in this year’s Women’s mini Marathon. Why not join the fight to make Ireland a better place to grow older in. For T-shirt and sponsorship cards please contact Daragh Matthews at 01 475 6989 or email; business@ageaction.ie

SINN FEIN COLLECTION: Local Sinn Fein members would like to thank all those who supported their recent collection. Your support was greatly appreciated.

PILGRIMAGES: Medjugorje -July, Cost 468. Closing date for names is Saturday, May 31. There are a number of seats left. Contact Kathleen or Peter Lawlor at 25546.

RATHENISKA NATIONAL SCHOOL: Congratulations to Aaron Rafter, Martin Norton, Alan Buckley, Anthony Hitchcock, Connor Power, Louis Roberts, Ellen Duff, Emma Fingleton, Aoife O’Connor, Alison Guinain, Aoife Delaney, Alana McKeown-Silke. The 12 students from the school received their first Holy Communion on Sunday last.

LAOIS BRANCH IRISH KIDNEY ASSOCIATION MINI-MARATHON: Thinking of taking part in the women’s mini-marathon in June? If so, why not do so on behalf of a very worthy cause. The Laois branch of the Irish Kidney Association are looking for volunteers to assist them raise money. The Irish kidney Association was set up as a support group for people with kidney failure and their families. Much of the work of the Irish Kidney Association involves patient aid and promoting public awareness of the importance of organ donation in saving lives.

The Irish Kidney Association Laois Brach welcomes enquires at the following numbers and can also forward on information packs. Mary at 0502 31554, Gene at 0502 21412 or Martin at 0502 60765.

LATE WILLIAM (BILL) TYNDALL: The death occurred recently of William Tyndall, Erkindale Drive, Durrow and formerly of Ballaghmore, Windy Gap, Stradbally at St Vincent’s Hospital, Mountmellick. Mr Tyndall is survived by his nieces and nephews. Burial took place at Oakvale Cemetery, Stradbally following Requiem Mass at the Church of the Scared Heart, Stradbally on Sunday, May 11. May he rest in peace.

COMMUNITY AND VOLUNTARY GROUPS PLEASE NOTE: Laois County Council Sport and Leisure Section in conjunction with Laois Sports Partnership are running a series of workshops on various sporting aspects. On Thursday, May 22 the subject of Turf management for pitches and parks will be covered. On Thursday, May 29 managing successful summer camps will be covered. The seminars take place at 8pm in the council chambers in Aras an Chontae, Portlaoise with guest speakers from professional bodies addressing the attendance. Each workshop will be followed by refreshments and an open discussion forum. Admission is 10 per organisation or 5 for individuals. There is no limit on the number of club members that can attend.

LAOIS CARERS ASSOCIATION: The Laois Carers Association is offering a ‘Care in the Home’ course. This course is aimed at family carers and home support personnel. It is due to begin shortly at the Carers Resource Centre, Kellyville Court, Portlaoise (opposite Portlaoise Garda Station).

The course will run over 12 Wednesday’s from 10am to 1pm. If interested in a place then please contact the centre. Please note the course is free of charge to family carers. The Carers Association is also looking for volunteers to take part in the mini-marathon, which will be held on Monday, June

2. They are asking all those to consider sponsoring the association to raise money for this good cause. For more details please contact 0502 61112.

BALLYADAMS NATIONAL SCHOOL: Congratulations to eight children from Ballyadams National School who received their First Holy Communion on Sunday, May 11. The students were Aoibhine Dempsey, Brona Kirwan, Gearoid Lacey, Owen Farrell, Jason Meredith, Donal Ramsbottom, Thomas Kirwan and Adam Campion.

PLAYSTATION/LEINSTER GAA SUMMER CAMP: Application forms for the Playstation/Leinster GAA Summer camp 2003 in association with Laois county board will be available shortly through schools. The Football summer school will take place in Stradbally from Tuesday, July 29 to Friday, August 1. The summer camp is open to both boys and girls from second to sixth class and will be conducted by the Coaching and games Promotion Officer Ciara Muldowney. For more details phone 086 829 3008.

LAOIS SPORTS PARTNERSHIP: Interested in learning what activities are going on in your area? Then call the Laois Sports Partnership at 0502 71248 or log on to their website www.laoissports.ie

BUS TO CLONFERT: A bus will leave from Stradbally to travel to Clonfert for a day of Prayer and Healing on Saturday, May 31 at 8.30pm. For more details please contact Eileen at 0507 25215. All welcome.

LAOIS ICA FEDERATION: Laois week in An Grianan takes place from Monday, May 26 to Friday, May 30. The cost per member is 235 with a single room supplement an additional 15. There are still a number of vacancies available for photography, Mountmellick work and leather work. Anyone wishing to avail of a place can do so by contacting the Federation Teachta Anne Sinnott at 0502 22716.

LAOIS CANCER RESEARCH: Dolores McEvoy and Breda McEvoy are taking part in a sponsored Parachute Jump to aid Laois Cancer Research. Anyone interested in sponsoring the two ladies can do so by contacting 0502 27126 or 0502 27210.

ANEW: Are you a woman who has a problem with alcohol? Able and New Women (ANEW) is a support organ-isation for women recovering from alcohol dependency. They meet every Sunday evening at 7pm in room 26 Cuan Mhuire, Athy, Co. Kildare. For more details contact 0507 31090 or 087 682 3959.

IRISH KIDNEY ASSOCIATION (LAOIS BRANCH): The Laois Branch of the Irish Kidney Association would like to express their thanks to all who supported the recent Church Gate collection. Total amount raised was 566.15.

TIMAHOE ICA GUILD AGM: The annual general meeting of the Timahoe ICA Guild was held in St Brigid’s Hall on Monday, May 12. President Ber McWey welcomed all present and CDA Kathleen Gorman from the Ballyroan ICA Guild who supervised the election of officers. A vote of sympathy was passed to Maura Lowry on the recent death of her sister. The report on the club’s activities was read by the Secretary Mary McWey which saw a very successful year for the guild, whereby the guild took part in many talks, activities and attended Federation and Council meetings. Treasurer Breda Quigley gave detailed accounts of finances which are in a good position. Tributes were paid to outgoing President Ber McWey for work done during her term of office. Kathleen Gorman congratulated the guild on the good work and the drama and choir group on their achievements. Ten members will attend the Federation meeting in Mountrath on Wednesday, May 21. Thanks were expressed to the hostesses on the night Breda Ramsbottom and Betty McWey for providing the tea. Members are reminded to have fees paid by the next meeting which will take place on Monday, May 9 in St Brigid’s Hall. The hostesses for the next meeting are Maureen Culliton and Maura Farrell. Thanks also to those who supported and bought tickets for the Special Olympics event in Spink. Those elected at the agm were; President: Kathleen Walsh. Vice-President Ber McWey. Secretary: Maureen Culliton. Treasurer: Teresa Scully. Public Relations Officer: Marie Quinn. Committee: Produces Producer Mary McWey. International Officer: Brid Ramsbottom. Contest Secretary: Bridget Burke. Timire: Kitty Butler. Arts and Crafts: Betty McWey. Teachta: Josie Ramsbottom. Youth Officer: Mary Scully. Sports and Leisure Officer; Maura Farrell.

FOOTBALL TRAINING FUND COMMENCES: A number of GAA officials and businessmen have combined their talents to form a football training fund. The fund, which is currently opera-tional, has received a favourable response. All money donated will go directly towards training of the county senior panel. The football training fund committee was sanctioned at a county board meeting. They are presently accepting 100 donations from members of the public wishing to contribute. All donations will be acknowledged with a car sticker stating their support of the county senior players. For further information contact members of the Training Fund Committee: Tom O’Loughlin 0502 74570 or 086 255 6863. Niall Handy (Secretary) at 087 686 8482. Jim McDonald. Joe O’Dwyer at 087 224 9602. Laurence Phelan at 086 852 1941 or Frank Masterson at 0507 25354.

O’LEATHLOBHAIR CLAN: The clan weekend is organised for July 18, 19 and 20. Special guests on Friday night, July 18 in the Manor Hotel, Abbeyleix will be Shane Furlong, All-Ireland Readori Pioneer Accordian Champion and Rachel Brennan who contested this years Dublin Rose of Tralee event.

READING WRITING PROBLEMS? Have you got problems with reading or writing at home, at work or in public? If so, free tuition is available from the Laois Vocational Education Committee (VEC) at their Portlaoise centre. For more details contact them at 0502 22316, 21352, 22015 or 22435.

GAMBLERS ANONYMOUS: Is gambling ruining your life? Then we can help. Gamblers Anonymous meets every Wednesday evening in the Seminar Room, St, Fintan’s Hospital, Portlaoise at 8.30pm. For enquires please ring 087 9294467.

PREGNANT? WORRIED?: Life, a pregnancy care service in the Midlands based in Tullamore, Co. Offaly can offer a free pregnancy test, counselling and care. They are located at 7B, Cormac Street and can be contacted at 0506 41110. They also operate a drop-in centre from 12 noon to 3pm every Saturday. They also have a National Helpline 1850 282 281 which is available from 9am to 9pm every day, for the price of a local call.

TIMAHOE LADIES GAA CLUB: Underage training for under 10’s, under 12’s and under 14’s continues each Saturday morning at 10.30am. All members and intending members are asked to attend.

PRAYER AND MEDITATION: You are invited to join others for an evening of meditation and quiet prayer each Tuesday from 8pm to 9pm in Mount St. Anne’s.

PARK/RATHENISKA JUVENILE GAA CLUB: Hurling and football training for juveniles, age group from under 11 to under 16. For more information please contact Mary Conroy at 0502 22674 (evenings), Gerry Delaney at 086 819 8259 (daytime) or 0502 25092 (evenings).

COUNSELLING SERVICES: Counselling service available for adults who experienced physical, emotional, sexual abuse or neglect during their childhood and who feel the need for counselling now. The service is provided locally by the Midland Health Board. For more information freephone 1800 234 113.

PIKE ANGLING COMPETITION: The first Open Pike Competition of the year will be held on Ballyfin Lake on Sunday, May 25. Adults will compete for the Bank of Ireland Silver Tankard, for the heaviest pike. There will be a separate competition for juveniles (under 16). Rules will be made available at the lake.

LSPCA SEEK NEW MEMBERS: The Laois Society for the Protection and Cruelty to Animals (LSPCA) is a voluntary organisation. The Society encourages as many people as possible to re-home a dog or a cat from the local dog pound in Ballacolla which can be contacted at 086 255 6298 or from the cattery in Mountrath by phoning 087 213 3858. People who would like to help out by making a donation or becoming a member of the society should contact Dorothy Walker at 0502 47691.

LAOIS COUNTY CHILDCARE COMMITTEE: Laois County Childcare Committee Limited is offering support to assist Parents Groups access Childcare training. Also support to Parents/ Community Groups setting up Parent and Toddler Groups. For further details contact 0502 61029, 087 9279211 or e-mail - laois childcare@eircom.net

TIMAHOE GAA: Training continues every Wednesday and Friday nights at 8pm and on Sunday mornings at 9am. A full attendance of players is requested to the training sessions.

STRADBALLY FLOWER AND GARDEN CLUB: The planned three day away trip to travel to Donegal is almost complete has been arranged to take place on Friday, June 20 to Monday, June 23. There are just a few places left, so if anyone is interested in travelling please contact Vera at 0502 25273, Dorothy at 0502 47691 or Dorie at 0502 25217.

TIMAHOE ROUND TOWER ROVERS: The lotto draw continues every Wednesday. All support is appreciated. Tickets costs 1.50 each and are available from all play-ers and officials.

STRADBALLY WALKERS CLUB: The following rules have been agreed by club members. All walks start at the agreed time. Walks will go ahead on the agreed date regardless of weather. All walkers on the day of the walk will pay a fee of 2. The club will meet two times a year. The club will have a Chairperson and Recording Secretary for each meeting. The club will hold one walk per month from October to April and will hold 2/3 walks per month May/September. New members welcome on all walks. The club will hold the following walks during the coming year. Sunday, May 25: Clonaslee. Wednesday evening, June 11, Spink. Wednesday evening, June 25: Fisherstown/Derries. Wednesday evening, July 16: Abbeyleix. Wednesday evening, July 30: Emo Court. Wednesday evening, August 13: Luggacurren. Sunday, September 14: Stradbally. Sunday, September 28: Erkina/Rathdowney. Sunday, October 5: Barrow way (Athy/Carlow). The club hopes all who come along and participate in the walks enjoy themselves and invite all to join in.

GAA COACHES WANTED: Laois GAA Requires coaches interested in taking charge of the county development hurling squads. If you are interested then please contact the coaching officer John Dalton at 087 907 3323.

LAOIS GAA GOLF CLASSIC: Laois GAA will run a golf classic on Friday, May 30 at Abbeyleix Golf course to raise funds for the county hurling and football teams. Team of four is 500. Meal is included in the entry fee and the competition is sponsored by the Laois kit manufacturers Azzurri. For more details contact John Dalton at 087 907 3323.

YOUTHREACH: Get paid while you learn, get educated, get training, get qualifications, get a training allowance and avail of child care facilities while doing so. Young people who are interested in any of the above are asked to contact Laois Youthreach, Harbour Street, Mountmellick, phone 0502 24196.

MIDLAND SUICIDE BEREAVEMENT SUPPORT SERVICE: The Midland Suicide Bereavement Support service is looking to train new volunteers to continue with the work of the service in the midlands. If you think this type of voluntary work would suit you and if you are willing to undertake a training course, then please contact Billy Bland or Caroline Oxley at the Suicide Resource Office at 0502 64513 for an application form. The Midland Suicide Bereavement Support Service covers counties Laois, Offaly, Longford and Westmeath. The support service is supported by the Midland Health Board and the Department of Community and Family Affairs.

VOLUNTEERS FOR THE ANNUAL MOUNTAIN CHALLENGE WANTED: The annual sponsored Mountain Challenge in aid of Laois Support Group for Guide Dogs will take place on Saturday, May 31 on the Burren, County Clare. Walking 22kms across the Burren and overnight in Ballyvaughan, the group are still looking for more volunteers to take part in raising Funds for the charity. The group is asking people who would like to assist raising funds for guide dogs, through sponsorship, to call Dick Connell at 087 277 6450.

DEADLINE FOR INCLUSION IN STRADBALLY NOTES: Contributors please note: The deadline for items to be included in the Stradbally Notes for the following Wednesday edition is Friday mornings at 12 noon. If you have an item, you wish to have included in the Stradbally notes section of the Laois Nationalist or a story from your area, please forward it to our offices at Coliseum Lane, Portlaoise. Fax it to 0502 61399, telephone 0502 60265 or 086 86 86797 e-mail: j .b a rr e t t @l a o i s -nationalist.ie and include your daytime telephone contact number.

 

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