Patrickswell news for w/e January 8th 2010

EUROPEAN YEAR

This year has been designated as the European Year for Combatting Poverty and Social Exclusion.



CHURCH NOTICES

Readers for this weekend January 9-10, The Baptism of Our Lord, are as follows; Saturday at 7pm Frances Lynch, Sunday at 10am PJ O’Grady, Sunday at 12noon James McCarthy. Eucharistic Ministers Saturday at 7pm M.Collins, M.Bennis, B.Carroll. Sunday at 10am, M.O’Mara, M.Punch, Sunday at 12noon S.Enright, N.O’Grady, R.Bennis. Please arrange a replacement if you are unable to fulfill any duty allocated to you. Weekday masses are at 9-30 am Monday to Friday. The weekly prayer meeting recommences for 2010 this Monday January 11 at 7-30pm and all are welcome. The Eucharistic Ministers Rota for January and February is now available from the sacristy.



PARISH NEWSLETTER

Items for inclusion in the weekly Parish Newsletter should be handed into the sacristy by 9-30am each Friday, or contact Fr. Muiris O’Connor on 353711 or 0866075628. Alternatively they can be emailed to muirisoc@eircom.net



PILGRIMAGE

The Prayer Group is organising its first pilgrimage to Medjugorje,(between the hills), in Bosnia-Hercegovina, departing from Shannon on Saturday May 22 for seven nights, at an all inclusive cost of €649. There will be a discount of €100 if the full price is paid before February 2. For further details contact Ann on 086-1602874, or Joan on 087- 9688233.



CREDIT UNION

Congratulations to Willie Mullins of Clarina the lucky winner of the November draw to celebrate the MPCC Credit Union’s 25th anniversary. This draw was very kindly sponsored by Ger Browne Print and Design. Congratulations to all the winners during 2009.The Board of Directors, Manager and staff of MPCC Credit Union would like to wish all members and their families a very happy and peaceful New Year. Members are advised that the Dooradoyle office does not open until 10.30am on Tuesdays, in order to facilitate staff training.If you are living in the area and are not already a member, you are more than welcome to open an account with MPCC, your local Credit Union. Please note that photo ID and proof of address is required for all new accounts.



CENTENARY

The Irish Country Women’s Association celebrates its centenary this year.



BLOOD DONORS

The Irish Blood Transfusion Service will be holding a donor clinic at the Greenhills Hotel, Ennis Road, this Tuesday January 12 from 6 to 9pm. For more information contact the Donor Information Line on 1850 731137, or www.ibts.ie



GAA

The Annual General Meeting is scheduled for Thursday January 14. Completed nomination and motion forms should be returned to the Secretary.



RESOURCE HOUSE

The Citizens Information Service is available every Tuesday from 1-2pm. No appointment necessary, just drop in. The weekly 45Drive takes place every Thursday night at 9pm sharp, everybody welcome.



PARENT AND TODDLERS

The group, which meets each Thursday at 9.30am in the Family Resource Centre, is always looking for new members and will restart on Thursday January 14th. For more information contact Irene at West Limerick Resources on 069 66298 or email: iocallaghan@wlr.ie



RURAL DEVELOPMENT

The Rural Development Programme, also known as LEADER, is designed to target resources to improve the quality of life in rural areas and the diversification and development of the rural economy. Support is available for both community projects and enterprise development. To learn more visit our website: www.wlr.ie.



FESTIVALS AND EVENTS

Failte Ireland is now seeking applications for funding under the National Festivals Programme and the Regional Festivals Programme. This initiative is intended to assist those festivals and events which effectively showcase Ireland's culture and heritage, to attract domestic and international tourists to the host locality. Application forms and guidelines are available from www.failteireland.ie/festivals.



NEW YEAR NEW START

If you've been out of work for a long time, for whatever reason, West Limerick Resources is offering you a unique opportunity to sample a range of skills as part of the Towards Occupation Training Programme this January in Patrickswell. Featuring a combination of skills training, career guidance and personal support, the training programme will consists of a range of short term workshops including a brief introduction to computers, arts and crafts, health and relaxation, and work preparation skills. Participants will also get to work on their confidence through personal development workshops. Contact Finn on 069 6316/087 7591951 or email ffitzgerald@wlr.ie



MUINTIREAS

Even though the Christmas and New Year Festivities are over, Community Agencies such as Muinter Na Tíre and Neighbourhood Watch are appealing for the season of goodwill to continue towards the more vulnerable members of our community in light of the continuing freezing winter conditions. Please heed the call to check on neighbours who are elderly, sick or housebound, or isolated and lonely, and who may be in need of assistance, or just reassurance that they can contact someone if the need arises.



TIDY TOWNS

Sincere thanks to all involved with the provision of the tree and erection of lights for the Christmas period. A warm welcome to our new gardai, and thanks for their permission to site the tree at the Garda Station. Many thanks for the generous donations received from appreciative wellwishers during the festive season. We offer our heartfelt sympathy and sincere condolences to Jimmy and Nuala Mulqueen on the passing of Jimmy’s father, Jim, a few days before Christmas, may he rest in peace.



BURNING ISSUE

The Environmental Protection Agency is reminding the public that the burning of rubbish in your fireplace, backyard or waste burner is illegal, and if caught you may face a fine of up to €3000 or twelve months in prison. The practice, referred to as backyard burning, is damaging to the environment and your health and is responsible for over fifty percent of dioxin emissions.



DRAFT COUNTY PLAN

The Draft County Development Plan 2010 -2016 and associated documents are now available to be viewed in the Resource Centre during normal working hours until Friday January 29.