SANTA CLAUS IN DONADEA
It was a beautiful crisp afternoon on the
16th December when Santa Claus came to Donadea. Ballagh
Cross was a sight to behold, children and adults alike crowding
the pavements and between the cars anxiously awaiting their
first glimpse of Santa. The bell was rung loudly and a great
cheer rose up as the most beautiful pony, mane tied with
ribbons, proudly appeared round the corner.
Gerri opened her doors and welcomed Santa into the custom
built grotto. Santa and his helpers greeted the kids for
the next couple of hours. The children loved him, some even
went back twice! Finally Santa, exhausted from the long
journey and so many children, fell asleep in his chair.
The day was a resounding success, children playing happily
with their toys, while parents enjoyed a drink and a chat
with their neighbours. It would not have been possible without
the generosity of local people, who gave of their time;
the pony and trap; and prizes for the raffle. A special
thanks to John Crean, Norman Beattie, Gerri Connolly and
Santa’s Helpers. We look forward to seeing Santa in Donadea
again next year. Siobhan Harrington.
DONADEA SOCIAL NIGHT
The Donadea social night took place in
Connelley’s of Ballagh in December. The night had the dual
purpose of encouraging people from Donadea to meet as well
as raising a few pounds for our local Donadea Development
Group. It turned out to be a most enjoyable night with a
wonderful selection of music by our own Colin Hickson, which
led us beautifully into that pre Christmas spirit.
The event was very well supported locally and a special
thanks to everyone who made the effort to attend. For those
people who bought tickets and were unable to attend thank
you also. Approx. £400 was raised on the night and some
of that money came in very useful the following week for
the Santa Clause event.
A raffle was held near the end of the evening with prizes
going to:
Peter Fitzsimmons (hamper),
Jim Colgan (hamper),
Steven Caine (turkey),
Ruan McLoughlin (ham),
Carol Chellar (bottle of hennessey),
Joe Maher (whiskey),
S Buckmaster (chocolates),
Cormack McMahon (chocolates)
Martin Byrne (biscuits),
Martin Finn (Cooleragh)(biscuits),
Threasa Noone (leg of lamb).
Congratulations to all who won prizes. I wish to thank everyone
who so generously donated prizes on the night. All prizes
but one were donated locally which goes to show the great
support that is within the area.
Thank you to the local committee for arranging the night,
to Coln Hickson for the music and to everybody who supported
it. We should be proud of the real community spirit that
exists in the area and if you are interested in getting
involved in local matters a meeting is held on the last
Tuesday of every month in Ballagh.
Many Thanks.
NEWTOWN/DONADEA “YOUNG AT HEART” GROUP
Newtown Donadea senior citizens “Young at Heart” committee
would like to thank most sincerely all those involved in
the Tir Na Mona Wren Boys fundraiser in Donadea Forest Park
which raised in excess of £500 for the group. To those who
organised the fabulous stage, the musicians and Colin who
had us all dancing along the forest trails, the collectors,
the handsome strawboys, the wrenboy, and also the generous
public – your contributions are all gratefully appreciated.
Thanks are also extended to those who made our December
Sale of Work/Craft Fair such a success. If you know of anyone
who would like to join our group each Thursday from 10-2
p.m. please contact Marion at 869303. Alternatively if you
have a hobby or craft you would like to share with us we
would love to hear from you.
ESB VOLTAGE PROBLEMS & EQUIPMENT
DAMAGE
For approximately the last eighteen months
there have been severe voltage problems on the ESB Enfield
backbone line. The nominal ESB supply voltage is 230volts.
Recently voltage in the area has been dropping as low as
189V.
Low voltage causes an increase in current being drawn by
equipment resulting in damage to and premature failure of
electrical appliances such as washing machines, dish washers,
well pumps, central heating pumps, electrical kettles, light
bulbs, televisions, videos, p.c.’s etc.
If you have had to replace any items such as these more
frequently than expected it may be as a result of low voltage.
The ESB is liable for damage to property that is caused
by ESB’s negligence or failure to provide the contracted
level of supply. The ESB are and have been aware of the
low voltage problems in the area since 1996 and have failed
to correct or to take any or appropriate measures to guard
against damage to consumers (your) property.
If you have experienced any of the above problems you should
contact:
Fergus Clinton, ESB Enfield, Co. Meath. Tel: 0405 41016
Pauric Fleming, ESB, Gerrycastle, Athlone, Co. Westmeath.
Tel: 01 7027455.
If you are seeking recompense from the ESB and need assistance
please provide written details of the equipment lost or
damaged to:
SLS group, Derryvarogue, Donadea, Naas, Co. Kildare.
Tel: 045 - 869571
Fax: 045 - 869573
Email: slsgroup@eircom.net
ROCHE'S
PUBLIC HOUSE
Quaint, but small, To the locals it’s their town hall,
They come to drink, they come to chat,
About the weather, sports and things like that.
It’s on a lonely road,
On busy nights it holds a load,
Drinking, chatting and merry-making,
Watch the ground, you’ve got it shaking.
For fun, laughs and socialising,
It’s atmosphere is moralising,
When all the other pubs are dull,
You’ll surely find this one full.
Delight in meeting friends and strangers,
If you know the way there’ll be no danger,
Get away from your busy life,
Forget your fears, all trouble and strife.
Before you go,
Bring someone you know,
So you’re not sitting on your own,
Wishing that you had stayed at home!.
Lynda Cosgrove
Aged 20
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