TIDY TOWNS

This year’s prize giving ceremony for the County Environmental Achievement Awards took place in the prestigious surroundings of the Council Chamber in County Hall, Dooradoyle, with civic dignitaries including the Cathoirleach of the County Council, Councillor John Gallahue, in attendance. Eanna Ní Lamhna was the guest speaker, and after her inimitable reflection on all matters environmental, the awards for this years competition were announced. After their initial success last year, the residents of Belgard Grove have again been awarded third prize in the Category for Best Presented Housing Estates with 1-50 houses, in the Bruff Electoral Area, and congratulations to them for their achievement. In the category of “ Best Community Environmental Initiative” Patrickswell was placed second. This award, as the title suggests, truly reflects everyone’s efforts. The awards for Tidiest Towns and Villages took a different course from previous years in that there were no prizes for each of the electoral areas. This year’s competition was judged on a county wide basis only, and we are pleased, delighted and extremely proud to announce that Patrickswell is the Third Best Tidiest Village in the whole of County Limerick.

Our Table Quiz went ahead last Friday, October 24th, with the usual mix of fun ,craic and banter, as well as being a very successful venture financially. With P.J.O’Grady in charge of proceedings, Ann Ronan keeping the scores, and a friendly crowd who had come to support us, the occasion lived up to all expectations, and a great night was had by all in attendance. Grateful thanks are extended to Christy Murphy at the Cu Chulainn for hosting the event, and for his very generous sponsorship of the first prize. We also acknowledge the generosity of the local business community who sponsored spot prizes. Numerous donations and other spot prizes were received from friends and supporters who couldn’t be with us on the night, for which we are also very grateful. Bank Holiday Monday was a great day weather wise, and we took our opportunity to dig the bed at the roundabout and plant daffodils, and to repair the damage done previously to the containers at the shrine. To end the year, we hope to have another Christmas Lights switch on ceremony similar to last year, and details will be announced nearer the time.

SPORT

POWERLIFTERS

The Patrickswell club enjoyed more success recently at the World Powerlifting Championships which were held in Birmingham. Four medals came Patrickswell’s way via Ger McNamara, David Fitzhenry, Billy Meehan, and Ian Morris. The reigning World Champion, local man Ger McNamara achieved a world record squat of 220kg, and followed up with 360kg, which is the biggest squat lift achieved in any federation in the world. Amazingly Ger now has three world records, which in its self is another world record.

HISTORY

Another young local sportsman has secured a place in the annals of Patrickswell and national sporting history, by becoming the first player to score points on the hallowed turf of the newly refurbished and prestigious Thomond Park. Connor Murray was playing in the out-half position for the Munster under-20’s against Ulster, in an inter-provincial championship fixture, and kicked a penalty in the seventy third minute, in the first match to be played at the venue. Congratulations Connor, you must be very proud of your distinguished and honourable achievement.

DEVELOPMENTS

An all-weather mini-pitch for Patrickswell, to be built at Ballyhanrahan has been agreed by County Councillors. The development will include floodlighting, and access will benefit from public lighting. Consideration has been given to the plans for the provision of GAA and soccer pitches adjacent to the site.

GAA

In a thrilling and competitive game on Sunday October 19th, Patrickswell put up a spirited performance against Na Piarsaigh in the Premier Minor Hurling Final at the Gaelic Grounds, to force a replay. The scoreline of 3-4 to 1-10 reflected an absorbing and entertaining game. Good luck to Tom O’Brien and his charges in the next encounter. Due to the extreme weather conditions last weekend, the replay was called off, and has been rescheduled for Sunday November 9. The under 14’s final against Adare will take place on Saturday November 8.

GOLF SOCIETY

Our Golf season for 2008 came to a very successful end, culminating in Mick Barry’s Captain’s Prize which was held in the beautiful surroundings of Mahoney’s Point Golf Club in Killarney. The society would like to extend its deepest gratitude to Benny and Frankie Nolan of Nolan Motor Factors for their excellent sponsorship on the day. We had a fabulous turnout of approximately 50 members, so that meant there were many prizewinners on the day.

First and a very popular winner with 40 points was Tom Dundon. 2nd. Alan Purcell 43 points. 3rd. Timmie Sheehan 40 points. 4th.Derek O’Curry 39 points. Gross Prize Kieran Carroll + 9. 6th. John McDermott 38 points. 7th. Natal O’Grady 38 points.

8th. Gerry McDermott 37 points. 9th. Ger Considine 36 points. 10th. Tony O’Neill 36 points. Front 9. John Murphy 22 points. Back 9. James Devine 21 points.

Past Captain’s Prize Tom Dundon, Nearest The Pin, Kieran Carroll, Longest Drive Gary Kirby. Guest Prize, John O’Gorman 39 points, 2nd. Richie Bennis 39 points.

The Golfer of The Year prize is awarded to the member who brings in the most consistent good cards from all the outings of the year, and the man who won this prize was Alan Purcell who played some magnificent golf during the year.

Congratulations to Mick Barry who was a very able Captain during the year, and once again thanks to all our sponsors for the season.

Our next big event will be our A. G. M. details of which will be notified to all members and intending members for 2009 in due course. Also another date for your diary is our Christmas Outing which will be held in NewcastleWest Golf Club, Ardagh on Saturday December 6.

THE DEVIL’S BLACKBERRIES

Friday October 11th was the old Michaelmas Day, or the Feast of St. Michael, before calendars were amended in 1752, when the date was changed to September 29. This was the day when the Archangel Michael is reputed to have ejected Satan from Heaven. On his arrival on earth , he found himself perched in a bramble bush, and every year since then he exacts his revenge, and records his disaproval by spitting, and other less attractive habits, on the blackberries. This turns the berries sour, and will also bring bad luck if they are gathered. The fruit is way past its best by now anyway, and more often than not fly blown, wormy and shrivelled. That is why October blackberries are known as the Devil’s.