THANKS

This is my first editorial as chairman of Tir na Mona. I would like to begin by thanking Liam Holton, the outgoing chairman, for several years of outstanding leadership. The outgoing directors also deserve our thanks for the service they have given us and we welcome the new members to the team of company directors.

TEAM BUILDING COURSE

Directors and officers of all areas of Tir na Mona have recently completed a three day course held in Staplestown. With the expertise of Ms Terri Mulhall, the good attendance and excellent participation, it was very worthwhile and constructive. It included an evaluation and review of our five year plan, which is well on track. It developed into a forum for the clarification of important structural and procedural matters within the organisation. We can confidently look forward to greater co-operation between all four areas in the future.

ASBESTOS

We have been talking to Pat Cosgrove of MDY Ltd. regarding the safe removal of fragments of asbestos roof sheeting from the former Bord na Mona site at Cooleragh. We are satisfied that the correct procedure is being followed and a copy of the clearance certificate from the Health and Safety Authority will be given to Tir an Mona shortly.

SAINT PATRICK'S DAY PARADE, KILCOCK AND ENFIELD

This year the Timahoe Drama Group will enter these two parades. Led by Elaine Kane and Fidelma Palmer, these young thespians will represent us under the Tir na Mona banner. They deserve plenty of support from the community to cheer them on on the day.

KILDARE COUNTY COUNCIL

Local engineer (roads surface) Mr John O’Neill met representatives from each area in Staplestown on Monday February 12th last to discuss our requirements for additional road signs, road markings, the alleviation of road flooding and related matters.

ANNUAL TIR NA MONA CLEAN UP DAY

This is one of the most important events in our calendar. With a total of nine skips provided by Kildare Co. Co., each of our four areas will have two skips with one extra one in Staplestown. The skips will be located strategically within each area with regard to safety when filling and proximity to dumping black spots. We have established a reputation with Kildare Co. Co. as an organisation with a very effective annual Clean Up programme. Last year we collected 32 tonnes of rubbish and I understand the average for community groups is 6 tonnes . I urge all those able to help to contact their local committee and help fill these skips with rubbish dumped in our local environment.

COMMUNITY & DEVELOPMENT NOTES

COMMITEE SKILLS TRAINING PROGRAMME

North West Kildare Development Co. Ltd. (NWK) In conjunction with FAS, OAK Partnership and North Offaly Dev Co. have developed a Committee Skills Programme. This programme outlines procedures of good practice at committee level. The programme covers the following:

• The role of committee officers such as chairperson, secretary, Treasurer.
• The purpose of working groups.
• Which legal structure works best for your group.
• Looking at project proposals.
• How to run effective meetings.

Participants will receive certificates on completion of the programme and will also receive an information pack at the end of the training programme.

North West Kildare Co. will be running this training programme in early March 2001. The training programme will take place one night a week form 7.30 p.m. - 10 p.m. in Allenwood Enterprise Park. Participating in this programme is free as it is funded by North West Kildare Co. This programme is of special value to community based groups. To register for the programme please contact Bernie Hurst (NWK) at 045-870573 as soon as possible as there are a limited number of places available.

HELPING TO DEFEAT DEPRESSION DID YOU KNOW?

1 in 10 Irish people suffer from a depressive illness at some stage in their lives A depressive illness is serious, but can be treated. Depression disrupts work, family and social life. Depression results in more days in bed than ulcers, diabetes, high blood pressure or arthritis. The estimated annual cost of depression to Ireland is £280 million, £170 million due to lost time from work. 3 out of 4 people hide their depression from relations and friends.

WHAT IS A DEPRESSIVE ILLNESS?

A depressive illness is an overwhelming feeling which dulls thinking, mood and concentration, saps energy and interest in food, sex, work and everyday activities and disrupts sleep. It is more than just a short lived feeling of being “down”, the 'Monday morning blues', or being 'fed up'. Without treatment it can last for months, years or forever.

ARE THERE DIFFERENT TYPES OF DEPRESSION?

Reactive Depression follows a major loss such as the death of someone close, unexpected financial difficulties or redundancy. The degree of depression is proportionate to the loss. Personality-based Depression happens to people with poor self-image, or to those who rely excessively on others for advice or emotional support, often after a minor loss. Here the degree of the depression is proportionate to the extent of the loss and the personality vulnerability. Endogenous (meaning internal) or unipolar depression is a chemical or biological depression, often occurs without apparent cause and frequently has a genetic basis. Although a traumatic event can precipitate this depression, the extent of the mood change cannot be explained by the loss or the individual's personality. Manic-depression or bipolar depression is also an internal chemical illness with a gentic basis. Bouts of depression lasting weeks or months alternate with periods of elation or mania of similar duration. Stress or loss often triggers manic-depressive episodes.

SYMPTOMS OF DEPRESSION

Persistent sad or empty feeling. Loss of interest in food, sex, work and other activities. Tiredness and feeling slowed down despite rest. Trouble getting to sleep, waking too early or oversleeping. Reduced or increased appetite and weight. Poor concentration and indecision. Feelings of guilt and worthlessnesss. Chronic aches and pains without a physical cause.

SYMPTOMS OF MANIA

Excessively high or irritable mood. Decreased need for sleep. Great energy. Overtalkative, overactive and 'highly sexed'. Racing mind that can't be switched off. Making bad decisions. Grandiose plans. Easily distracted.

CAN IT BE TREATED?

Depression can be treated Over 80% of the most severe depressions can be helped quickly. Effective psychotherapies (talking treatment) and non-habit forming antidepressant medications are now available. Early treatment means less time lost to appreciate family, life and work.

HOW WOULD I RECOGNISE DEPRESSION?

Absenteeism or reduced productivity at work. Uncharacteristic accidents. Bad decisions and indecision Poor morale and lack of co-operation. Frequent complaints of tiredness and napping during the day. Frequent complaints of aches or pains. Disruptive, interfering or domineering behaviour or grandiose schemes when manic. Alcohol or drug abuse.

HOW CAN YOU HELP A DEPRESSED RELATION OR FRIEND?

Know about depression. It is a common problem. Think of depression where there are any of the telltale signs listed above. Expect depression where there has been a family death, demotion, financial difficulties or other personal upsets. Spot depression, but don't diagnose or attempt to treat it. Take hints of suicide, such as "life is not really worth living", seriously. Encourage the person to get help on a confidential basis from their doctor. Even though they realise they are depressed, the negative thinking of depression may stop them getting help. Don't blame them. Nobody chooses depression. Make a point of keeping in contact with them.

WHERE TO GET HELP

• Welfare Officer.
• Company doctor or nurse.
• General practitioner.
• Psychiatrist. Mental Health Professionals.
• Psychiatric clinics and Hospitals.

For further Information contact

AWARE
Information Centre
147 Phibsborough Road
Dublin 7
Tel: (01) 8308449
Fax: (01) 8306840

Other articles on depression available through the Tir Na Mona office
Ph: 045 869977

Aware
Helping to defeat Depression
Upcoming Lectures 2001

Venue: Lecture Theatre, Swift Centre, St. Patrick's Hospital, James' St., Dublin 8.

• Wednesday 14th March 7.15pm Depression is a Family Affair
• Wednesday 11th April 7.15pm Examination Stress:
  Steps to Harnessing its Energy
• Wednesday 9th May 7.15pm Accepting a Diagnosis of Depression
• Wednesday 13th June 7.15pm Depression in Later Life
• Wednesday 11th July 7.15pm Bipolar Disorder
• Wednesday 8th August 7.15pm Cognitive Therapy
• Wednesday 12th September 7.15pm Panic Attacks
• Wednesday 10th October 7.15pm Depression: A Global Problem?
• Wednesday 14th November 7.15pm Research Update
• Wednesday 12th December 7.15pm Bereaved by Suicide

BEREAVED? NEED TO TALK? WANT SOMEONE TO TALK TO?

Facilitators and qualified counsellors are available every Thursday night in the Church of the Irish Martyrs, Ballycane, Naas, from 8 p.m. 10 p.m. for more information telephone 045-895629 or 087-8554852. This service is free, confidential and non-denominational.

Bus Eireann have expanded their Edenderry-Dublin service in recent months. The bus journey from Edenderry to Dublin takes about an hour and a half. The new bus times for are as follows:

DUBLIN-EDENDERRY. (Going from Dublin to Coill Dubh takes an hour and five minutes on the timetable.)

Buses DEPART DUBLIN CENTRAL BUS STATION in Store Street for Edenderry Monday to Friday at 0730, 0830, 0930, and so on until 1330, then 1400, 1430, 1530, 1600, then every half-hour until 1830, then 1930, 2030 and the last bus at 2130.

On Saturday buses leave Dublin Busaras at 0930, 1130, 1330, 1430, 1530, 1600, 1630, 1730, 1830, 1930 and last bus at 2130.

On Sundays buses leave Dublin Busaras at 1000, 1230, 1430, 1730, 1930, last bus at 2130.

EDENDERRY-DUBLIN. (Buses leaving Edenderry will get to Coill Dubh 25 minutes later.) Buses DEPART EDENDERRY Monday to Friday at 0630, 0645, 0700, 0715, 0730, 0830, 0930, 0955, 1030, then every hour on the half hour until last bus at 2030. One of the buses at 0630 and the bus at 0645 from Edenderry go to UCD Belfield.

On Saturday buses depart Edenderry at 0730, 0830, 0930, 0955, 1130, 1230, 1330, 1430, 1530, 1630, 1730, last bus at 1930.

On Sunday buses depart Edenderry 1000, 1200, 1500, 1700, 1915, last bus at 1930. A ticket Coill Dubh/Dublin is IR£3.70 single, IR£4.20 same day return, IR£5.50 open return. An adult ten-journey ticket is IR£18.50.

A ticket to Edenderry is IR£5.80 single IR£8.50 open return.

You can also get an adult 10-journey ticket, for ten single journeys within a seven-day period, for IR£20. All tickets can be bought on the bus. No advance reservation is needed. On-line ticket sales are available at www.buseireann.ie

DIARY OF A HIDDEN ILLNESS

Week 1 Felt off colour today. Maybe tomorrow will be better.

Week 2 This off colour feeling is beginning to get me annoyed, it is lasting so long. I’m not sleeping very well either.

Week 3 People are very distant with me. I can’t be bothered to make the effort to talk or make friends. Things are really getting me down.

Week 4 Think I should talk to my doctor about this feeling down, it’s been going on for too long now. My thoughts are very odd and disjointed, I can’t seem to finish anything.

Week 5 Saw the doctor today. He said maybe I was a bit depressed so he gave me some tablets.

Week 7 These tablets aren’t doing me any good - must see the doctor again.

Week 8 The doctor decided that I might be clinically depressed - whatever that means; said I should see a specialist so he’s sending me to a psychiatrist. I’m not mad, am I?

Week 17 Eventually got to see this psychiatrist, not much different than my own doctor, different bloody tablets; will this lot work any better?

Week 19 Daily life is such a chore, can’t seem to get out of bed in the morning. Don’t want to anyway, most of the people I know seem to be avoiding me.

Week 30 The tablets are finally making a difference, I’m sleeping better now and it’s not so hard to get up in the mornings, getting more things done and able to finish things now.

Later I can’t believe I was so out of it all. My friends are talking to me again. Life is good.

Could this be your story? If you feel this way there is help out there. Do seek help by contacting your GP. You don’t have to suffer alone.

Kildare — County Childcare Committee

A Public Meeting will be held on Tuesday 6th of March @ 7:30pm at the Council Chambers, Kildare County Council, St. Mary’s, Naas, Co. Kildare This meeting will offer the opportunity to contribute to the development of childcare in County Kildare. It will also seek to elect the following representatives to the Kildare Childcare Committee: 2 Parent Representatives AND 2 Childcare Provider Representatives Nominations and elections will be held on the same night of 06/03/01. Anyone wishing to put forward a nomination in advance, or seek further information, can do so by contacting one of the following:

Mary Kearney, SWAHB, (045) 873-296

Willie Carroll, Dir. of Community & Enterprise, K.C.C (045) 873-859

Fiona McCabe, OAK Partnership, (0405) 32688

Emma Berney, Action South Kildare, (045) 481999

COMMUNITY ALERT

NEIGHBOURS! We want to alert you to the fact that there is a rash of petty thievery happening in the community at the moment. Remember to take sensible precautions against the opportunistic thief – Don’t leave your car unlocked . Don’t leave valuables in plain sight in your car. Rremember to check your doors and windows are closed when you leave the house and last thing at night. Let’s watch out for each other and especially for the more vulnerable in the community. We can nip this in the bud if we are vigilant. If you see anything suspicous contact your local community alert group

• Timahoe Paddy Maher 087-2582320
• Coill Dubh John Roddy 860354
• Staplestown James Egan 869564
• Donadea Iggi Callaghan 869409 & district
• Donadea Dolores Kennedy 869206 Tiermoghan or the Tir Na Mona office at 869977
• Or your local Garda station or 999.

A FEW THOUGHTS ON ST PATRICK

The feast of St. Patrick — the patron Saint of our land, is celebrated not only in Ireland but throughout the world. Some one has said ‘there are only two sorts of people in the world on St. Patrick’s Day, the Irish and those who are sorry they are not Irish.

Saint Patrick’s Day is almost upon us once again. The Irish (I hope) have always been extremely proud of our Country, but on the 17th. March that pride takes on an extra dimension Every man, woman and child becomes very aware of our culture and traditions. From our earliest years in school we were imbued with this awareness. Many of us will fondly remember singing (or shouting) on St. Patrick’s morning at Mass ,“Hail Glorious Saint Patrick.” and “Dochas Linn Naomh Padraigh”. We often I’m sure did’nt understand what many of the words meant, but we felt patriotisin welling up within us. Saint Patrick was defending us in our faith and we were grateful for his protection.

Times have changed. The faith which St. Patrick brought us is still strong in many of our people thank God but the challenges today are very subtle and very great. St. Patrick has much to teach us to help us through the times we live in. Patrick was no plaster-cast Saint. He was a courageous and fearless man of God. A man of great humility as is so evident in his Confessions, “I am Patrick the sinner….. the most unlearned of men….”. Out of that humility grew his complete trust in God and his spirit of prayer, “I often prayed a hundred times a day and as many at night in the cold and wet“. (Confessions)

Saint Patrick suffered much both for God and for the Irish people. He never complained. His generosity of soul and readiness to forgive stamped his whole life. The Irish did not always treat St. Patrick well. At first they took him off by force and made him a slave. He was also severely slandered later on. He had every reason to nurse a grievance against our people. Instead he returned to give his whole life to the Irish. He never again visited his homeland because of his total involvement with our ancestors.

Generosity and forgiveness of spirit are not always that strong among the Irish. We tend to have long memories, to cherish and nourish grievances. That was not St. Patrick’ way. Let us ask him to lead us along the road of forgiveness, compassion and love.

Beannacht na Feile Padraig oraibh go leir.

Pat Ramsbottom

Table of Events, in the Community

• 13th March Friends of the Forest meeting, Ballagh House @ 8 p.m.
• 13th March “Third World Poverty” Talk in Scoil Dara, Kilcock @ 8 p.m.
• 18th March Car Treasure Hunt, start Kelly’s car park, ph Paula @ 863508
• 20th March Staplestown Com. Dev Meeting, St. Kevin’s GFC @ 8 p.m.
• 20th March Timahoe Com. Dev. Meeting, the lounge, Kelly’s Bar @ 8 p.m.
• 22nd March Library in Staplestown 11.50 – 12.30
• 27th March Donadea Com. Dev. Meeting, Ballagh House @ 8 p.m.
• 28th March Final date for articles for the April issue of the MONA
• 28th March Timahoe Active Age Social, lounge, Kelly’s Bar, 8 p.m.
• 30th March Table Quiz in Kelly’s Lounge @ 9.30 p.m
• 5th April Timahoe Ladies Club, Kelly’s Bar @ 8 p.m.
• 6th April Timahoe N.S. Table Quiz

SOME EVENTS MAY BE CANCELLED DUE TO THE CURRENT FOOT AND MOUTH DISEASE PREVENTION MEASURES Please check with the Tir na Mona office @045 869977

Articles for the MONA Newsletter can now be dropped into the Tir Na Mona office at St. Kevin's G.A.A. club, Staplestown. Tel 045 69977

If possible please supply articles on disc in Microsoft Word format. If you have an event happening during the first week of the month please let us know about it in time for the previous issue as it take approx. 10 days to produce the MONA

If you have an article, advertisement or news item you would like to include in this newsletter, please contact:

• Staplestown, Mary Murphy 869416
• Timahoe, Hugh Maher
• Timahoe, Bernard Owens 863676
• Coill Dubh, Rosaleen 860023 (school)
• Donadea, Bernadette Crean 869118

  Email:pgmhr@indigo.ie

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